TOYKO/WASHINGTON, October 2, 2026 (by Michael Dickens)
As Kei Nishikori walked out to play his final ATP Tour match at the Japan Open in Tokyo Thursday afternoon, before walking off into retirement, the enthusiastic fans who filled the Ariake Colosseum were reminded of the impact the most successful Japanese men’s player in history has had on tennis – especially in Asia.
“Now, please welcome from Japan, our greatest player … Kei Nishikori!” The crowd applauded loudly and proudly for Nishikori after his introduction – and the applause continued from first ball to last ball.
Nishikori, who was making his 12th main draw appearance in Tokyo in the final event of his remarkable career – and playing in just his second tour-level main draw of the year after Washington in July – sought his first Top-10 win since defeating No. 7 Andrey Rublev at the 2020 Olympics.
Although the 436th-ranked Nishikori would go on to lose his first-round match to World No. 8 and second seed Frances Tiafoe of the United States, who returned to the Top 10 earlier this month, 6-4, 6-4, in 74 minutes, the 36-year-old Japanese star gave a good account of himself in his final professional match.
The final curtain comes down 🎪@FTiafoe defeats Nishikori 6-4, 6-4 as an incredible career comes to a close in Tokyo.@japanopentennis | #KinoshitaJOTennis pic.twitter.com/MdqWfCR5zV
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 1, 2026
A groundbreaking 12-time ATP Tour champion, including two titles in Tokyo (2012 and 2014), Nishikori received a wild card entry into his last professional event after spending much of his final season as a pro toiling on the ATP Challenger Tour, playing tournaments in outposts like Canberra, Australia; Thionville and Cherbourg, France; and Sarasota, Fla., and Savannah, Ga., in the United States. He also competed in the North American hard-court swing in Washington, D.C., Montreal, and Cincinnati, as well as at the US Open with mixed results, after receiving wild cards into either the main draw or qualifying draw.
After losing to Tiafoe, Nishikori finished this season 9-10 in all competitions and compiled a 452-233 win-loss record at tour-level. Injuries in recent seasons and Father Time had begun to take their toll.
“To be honest, I still wish I could continue my playing career,” Nishikori wrote last April on social media in announcing his retirement. “Even so, looking back on everything up to this point, I can proudly say that I gave it my all. I am truly happy to have walked this path.”
There’s only one Kei Nishikori 🫶@keinishikori pic.twitter.com/bd5pKrvvp4
— ATP Tour (@atptour) October 1, 2026
On the eve of his final match, Nishikori shared in an interview with ATP Media how he felt. “Very emotional. I have mixed feelings,” he said. “I am excited to play in Japan. But I also know this is my last moment. So, it’s kind of sad. Of course, I want to play good tennis. There’s some pressure, but it’s exciting too.”
After Tiafoe secured match point by garnering one final 23-shot rally with a touch volley winner to wrap-up the straight-set victory against Nishikori, the American walked to the net and gave the Japanese star a big hug. Although Nishikori came up short, it wasn’t for a lack of trying.
“Kei is a complete legend,” Tiafoe said during his on-court interview. “I’ve looked up to him; I learned how to hit backhands because of him. He’s a legacy to the game. … I want to wish him good luck for the rest of his life.”
During a simple, on-court post-match ceremony, the soft-spoken Nishikori fought back tears as he addressed the crowd in Japanese.
“Playing in Japan is always a special moment,” the native of Shimane said. “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.”
Nishikori was joined on court by a who’s-who of Japanese tennis royalty, including: Ai Sugiyama, Shingo Kunieda, Go Soeda and Kimiko Date.
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Nishikori, who turned pro in 2007 at age 14, built a Hall of Fame-worthy career through his effective use of quiet power. At 5-feet-10, Nishikori moved about the tennis court with great agility – hitting effectively from both wings – while exuding an underdog spirit. These qualities were on display during his final match against Tiafoe. However, he lost to the better player.
In his prime, Nishikori became the first Asian man to reach a Grand Slam final – at the US Open in 2014, where he lost to Marin Cilic of Croatia – and the first Japanese man to crack the ATP Top 10 rankings. Along with four-time major women’s champion Naomi Osaka, Nishikori helped elevate the popularity of tennis in Japan. He became a brand ambassador for Uniqlo, the global Japanese casual wear apparel designer, manufacturer and retailer. Now, he’s ready to pass his legacy on to the next generation of Japanese players such as Rei Sakamoto and Shintaro Mochizuki.
On the occasion of Nishikori’s retirement, Cilic wrote on Instagram: “It was inspiring to see you work hard, improve your game, battle hard to find your spot among the top. And breakthrough year happened for both of us in 2014, both of us winning four titles in that year.
“Of course, I will always have a special memory of the 2014 US Open. That moment will stay with me forever, and it was truly a joy and privilege to share those moments with you, as I have great admiration for you – very kind, respectful, with great spirit, and have never-giving-up attitude.”
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Among his other accolades, Nishikori reached a career-best ranking of World No. 4 after his momentous 2014 run at the US Open, in which he defeated Milos Raonic and Stan Wawrinka in back-to-back 5-set thrillers and also beat Novak Djokovic to reach the title match. He went 54-14 and won four titles that season. A five-time Olympian, Nishikori also defeated Djokovic to earn the 2016 Olympic bronze medal at the Rio de Janeiro Games.
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Looking back, in the words of Osaka, Nishikori “represented Japan at the highest level for an amazingly long period of time,” she said in Washington, D.C., this summer, where both played in the DC Open, and were featured in matches on Stadium Court.
“I think 2014 was my best year,” Nishikori recently told the ATP Tour website. “Winning a title here again [in Tokyo], it’s not easy, but I did it. I was very happy. I wish I could win a couple more but two times is good for me.”
Nishikori’s will to win will be remembered for years to come, not only close to home in Tokyo but also throughout Asia and the rest of the tennis world. He was also well-liked and admired by his peers on the ATP Tour, such as Stefanos Tsitsipas, who wrote on social media:
“Kei Nishikori, thank you for your hard work throughout your professional career! Beyond your remarkable achievements, you captivated audiences everywhere with your one-of-a-kind playing style, bringing immense pride and emotion to people across Japan.
“I’ve always loved watching your matches, and it saddens me that I won’t get to see you on tour anymore. I’ll keep cheering you on in whatever you do next!”
錦織選手、現役生活お疲れさまでした！あなたは素晴らしい実績はもちろんのこと、観客の誰をも魅了する唯一無二のプレースタイルで日本中にたくさんの誇りと感動を与えてくれました。… pic.twitter.com/Uf49DmRVcM
— Stefanos Tsitsipas (@stefanos) October 1, 2026
As he walked off the Ariake Colosseum court for the last time to a standing ovation, with his racquet bag slung over his shoulders and while carrying two colorful bouquets of flowers, a teary-eyed and proud Nishikori bowed to his fans. He smiled and waved – even flashed a thumbs up, too. The LED sign boards surrounding the court beamed a positive message that summed up the emotion of the moment: “Thank you Kei, Legacy To The Future.”
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