Nishikori Retires After First-Round Loss at Japan Open

Kei Nishikori, the first Asian male player to reach a Grand Slam singles final, concluded his professional tennis career with a first-round defeat at the Japan Open in Tokyo on Thursday. The 36-year-old lost to Frances Tiafoe, the second seed, 6-4, 6-4, in what proved to be his final ATP Tour match.

Nishikori announced his retirement plans in late April, choosing to end his career at the Japan Open—a tournament where he had experienced some of his greatest triumphs. He won the Tokyo title in 2012, defeating then-World No. 6 Milos Raonic in three sets, and claimed a second Japan Open championship in 2014, a year that also saw him reach the US Open final and capture four titles overall. Reflecting on those victories, Nishikori described winning at home as almost equivalent to winning a Grand Slam title, crediting the support of Japanese fans with fueling his success.

In the days before his final match, Nishikori spoke openly about the emotional complexity of his retirement. "Very emotional. I have mixed feelings," he told ATP Media. "I am excited to play in Japan. But I also know this is my last moment. So, it's kind of sad." Despite the pressure of playing a farewell match before his home crowd, he expressed determination to perform well in what he knew would be his last elite-level tournament.

Nishikori's career spanned 19 years, beginning with his professional debut in 2007. He reached a career-high ranking of World No. 4, secured 12 ATP Tour titles, recorded 452 career victories, and earned more than $26 million in prize money. His 2014 US Open final appearance—where he lost to Marin Cilic—remains a watershed moment in Asian tennis history. In recent years, Nishikori had been hindered by injuries, including right shoulder pain that caused him to miss the Australian Open in January and the US Open the previous year.

Nishikori's retirement was marked by widespread recognition of his contributions to tennis and his reputation for treating opponents, media, and fans with respect throughout his career. His former coach Gabe Jaramillo, who worked with him from his early academy days through much of his professional career, reflected on Nishikori's journey from a young scholarship student to one of Japan's greatest tennis champions.