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Nishikori's Career Ends: A Farewell to a Legend
2 Oct
Summary
- Kei Nishikori has retired from professional tennis after a 20-year career.
- He won the Japan Open twice, in 2012 and 2014.
- His final match was at the Japan Open against Frances Tiafoe.
Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori has announced the end of his professional career, which began nearly 20 years ago. He made his ATP Tour debut at the 2007 Countrywide Classic and secured his first ATP victories shortly after. Nishikori's final match occurred on Thursday at the Japan Open, where he was defeated by Frances Tiafoe.
Throughout his career, Nishikori achieved considerable success, notably winning the Japan Open twice. He triumphed in Tokyo in 2012, defeating Milos Raonic in the final, and repeated this victory in 2014 against the same opponent. These wins made him one of only four players to have multiple Japan Open titles, joining legends like Pete Sampras and Stefan Edberg.
Nishikori's debut at the Japan Open was in 2007, though his initial match was a loss. He later returned to find success, winning his first matches in Tokyo in 2008 and claiming the championship several years later. His last appearance in a Japan Open final was in 2018.
