Kei Nishikori Ends Tennis Career After Japan Open First-Round Defeat

Sports Corrrespondent: Imran Sohail

Former world No. 4 Kei Nishikori has ended his professional tennis career after losing to Frances Tiafoe in the first round of the Japan Open in Tokyo on Thursday.

The 36-year-old Japanese star was defeated by the world No. 8 American 6-4, 6-4 in front of his home crowd.

Nishikori had previously announced plans to retire at the end of 2026 and received a wildcard entry for the Japan Open.

Emotional Farewell in Tokyo

Following the match, Nishikori became emotional while addressing supporters at the tournament.

“Playing in Japan is always a special moment. I wish I could have put in a slightly more convincing performance. But I’m happy I kept fighting right to the end,” he said.

After the match, Nishikori completed a lap of honour on the main court in Tokyo, where he won the Japan Open twice, in 2012 and 2014.

The defeat brought an end to his 19-year professional career, with tributes coming from several leading players and figures in tennis.

Successful Career

Nishikori began playing tennis at the age of five before moving to Florida at 14 to continue his training.

He won 12 ATP Tour singles titles during his career and recorded 40 victories against players ranked inside the world’s top 10.

Nishikori also became the first Japanese male player to break into the ATP top 10.

His biggest Grand Slam achievement came at the 2014 US Open, where he reached the final, becoming the first Japanese man to reach a Grand Slam singles final.

His retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in Japanese men’s tennis, with Nishikori having spent nearly two decades competing at the highest level.