Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori announced Friday that he will retire following the 2026 season, concluding a groundbreaking professional career that opened doors for tennis players across Japan.
The 36-year-old athlete made history in 2014 when he became the first Japanese competitor to advance to a Grand Slam singles championship match at the U.S. Open. He also achieved the distinction of being only the second Asian male player, following Thailand’s Paradorn Srichaphan, to break into the world’s top 10 rankings.
Nishikori’s career peaked in 2015 when he climbed to fourth place in global rankings and captured 12 ATP Tour championships throughout his professional journey. However, persistent injuries have taken their toll, dropping his current world ranking to 464th position.
His last appearance in the top 10 rankings occurred in October 2019, and just last month he acknowledged he was “barely hanging on” regarding his physical condition.
In a social media announcement, Nishikori reflected on his accomplishments: “Reaching the ATP Tour, playing at the highest level of competition and maintaining a presence in the top 10 is something I am extremely proud of.”
“Whether in victory or defeat, the special atmosphere I felt in packed arenas is irreplaceable … To be honest, I still wish I could continue my playing career. Even so, looking back on everything up to this point, I can proudly say that I gave it my all,” he continued.
“I am truly happy to have walked this path. I will cherish every moment of the remaining matches and fight to the very end,” Nishikori added.
The tennis veteran last competed in a tour-level tournament at the Cincinnati Open in 2023, although he has participated in five Challenger events during the current year.
Among his notable achievements, Nishikori captured an Olympic bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Games, where he defeated Spain’s Rafael Nadal in a three-set match.
