Kei Nishikori confirms retirement at Japan Open later this year
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 2, 2026, 5:41 PM
Last updated Jun 2, 2026
Kei Nishikori, the former U.S. Open finalist, will retire from tennis at the Japan Open in Tokyo from September 30 to October 6. The 36-year-old has received a wild card invitation for the event. Nishikori made his professional debut in 2007 and became the first Japanese man to reach a Grand Slam singles final at the 2014 U.S. Open, where he lost to Marin Cilic. After struggling with injuries, he has spent this year competing on the lower-tier Challenger tour and is currently ranked No. 703. Michael Chang, Nishikori's former coach, emphasized the significance of Nishikori's achievements during an era dominated by top players.
- •Nishikori will conclude his career at the Japan Open in October.
- •He reached No. 4 in ATP rankings, the highest for a Japanese man.
- •Nishikori was the first Japanese man to reach a Grand Slam final in 2014.
- •He has faced challenges with injuries and is currently ranked No. 703.
- •Michael Chang praised Nishikori's career achievements amid a competitive era.
- 6:32 PMESPN Tennis — Nishikori to end 20-year career at Japan Open
- 5:12 PMYahoo Sports — Former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori to conclude his career at the Japan Open
"Former U.S. Open finalist Kei Nishikori will conclude his career at home when he plays in the Japan Open later this year. The 36-year-old Nishikori has been given a wild card invitation by tournament organizers, the ATP Tour confirmed Tuesday. Nishikori, having made his professional debut in 2007, also became the first Japanese man to advance to the final of a Grand Slam singles tournament at the 2014 U.S. Open.
"Kei Nishikori, a finalist at the 2014 U.S. Open, will conclude his 20-year professional career later this year after he competes in the Japan Open.
Sources
External links- ESPN TennisJun 2, 2026, 6:32 PMNishikori to end 20-year career at Japan Open
Kei Nishikori, a finalist at the 2014 U.S. Open, will conclude his 20-year professional career later this year after he competes in the Japan Open.
- Yahoo SportsJun 2, 2026, 5:12 PMFormer US Open finalist Kei Nishikori to conclude his career at the Japan Open
Former U.S. Open finalist Kei Nishikori will conclude his career at home when he plays in the Japan Open later this year. The 36-year-old Nishikori has been given a wild card invitation by tournament organizers, the ATP Tour confirmed Tuesday. Nishikori, having made his professional debut in 2007, also became the first Japanese man to advance to the final of a Grand Slam singles tournament at the 2014 U.S. Open.
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