Japanese tennis legend Kei Nishikori has retired from professional tennis

Japanese tennis player Kei Nishikori has announced his retirement from professional tennis. During his professional career, he won 12 ATP titles.

In his final match, the 36-year-old Japanese player lost to Francis Tiafoe in the first round of the ATP 500 tournament in Tokyo, 4-6, 4-6.

Nishikori had already announced this past spring that the 2026 season would be his last. It is fitting that he played the final match of his career at home, at the Japan Open, where he was crowned champion twice—in 2012 and 2014.

Over the course of his career, Kei Nishikori won 12 ATP titles, reached No. 4 in the world rankings, and played in the 2014 U.S. Open final, becoming the first Asian tennis player to reach a Grand Slam singles final in men’s tennis.

He also won a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and became the first Asian player to qualify for the ATP Finals in singles.

One of the most notable highlights of his career was his victories over all members of the “Big Three”: Roger Federer (3), Rafael Nadal (2), and Novak Djokovic (2).

Kei Nishikori ended his career as the most successful Asian tennis player in men’s singles based on rankings and Grand Slam performances.

This was reported by BTU.

Japan ended China’s 32-year streak in team tennis — Asharq Al-Awsat.

Soft tennis player Chen Po-yi won bronze at the Asian Games in Japan — Taipei Times.