After a trailblazing 19-year career, former world number four Kei Nishikori has officially stepped away from professional tennis. The 36-year-old played his final match at the Japan Open in Tokyo, falling 6-4, 6-4 to world number eight Frances Tiafoe before bidding an emotional goodbye to his home fans.
Widely regarded as one of the most talented players never to capture a Grand Slam title, Nishikori’s legacy is firmly cemented in the history books. He made international headlines in 2014 when he became the first Japanese man to reach a major singles final at the US Open, notably defeating Novak Djokovic en route to the championship match against Marin Cilic. Two years later, he captured an Olympic bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Games by taking down Rafael Nadal.
Speaking to a roaring Tokyo crowd on the same courts where he claimed the Japan Open title in 2012 and 2014, a tearful Nishikori reflected on his final performance and a career defined by relentless grit.
"Playing in Japan is always a special moment," Nishikori shared. "I wish I could have put in a slightly more convincing performance. But I'm happy I kept fighting right to the end. I'm proud that I didn't give up and played right to the finish."
Though his time on the tour was repeatedly stalled by injuries, his determination earned him the admiration of peers and fans alike. Following his lap of honor, attendees watched a tribute video featuring heartfelt messages from tennis greats Andy Murray, Michael Chang, and Novak Djokovic.
"Your resilience and fighting spirit, to always come back after a lot of adversity, is really commendable and admirable," Djokovic said in the video. "We had some great battles all over the world. I'm really glad you're ending your career in your town, your country, in front of your people."
Nishikori leaves the sport with 12 ATP Tour singles titles and 40 victories over top-10 opponents. Having moved to Florida at just 14 years old to pursue his tennis dreams, he ultimately became the first Japanese man to crack the ATP top 10, blazing a trail for future global stars like four-time major champion Naomi Osaka.
A master of the clutch moment, Nishikori also retires with a remarkable 72.5% win rate in deciding sets—the third highest in ATP Tour history, trailing only legends Bjorn Borg (73.4%) and John McEnroe (72.8%).