Kei Nishikori Bids Farewell to Professional Tennis in Tokyo

Japanese tennis legend Kei Nishikori bid farewell to the professional circuit on Thursday, concluding a nearly two-decade career that transformed Asian tennis on the global stage. The 36-year-old lost 6-4, 6-4 to Frances Tiafoe in the first round in Tokyo, choosing the tournament he previously won twice as his final stage.

Career Highlights and Peak

Nishikori turned professional in 2007 and reached his career pinnacle in 2014, when he advanced to the US Open final, becoming the first Asian male singles player in the Open Era to reach a Grand Slam final. Along the way, he defeated Novak Djokovic before falling to Marin Cilic. He later climbed to a career-high ranking of world number four.

His final years on tour were frequently disrupted by injuries. Nishikori missed the Australian Open this year due to right shoulder pain and also sat out the US Open last year, but he was determined to end his career in front of his home crowd in Tokyo, where he lifted the trophy in 2012 and 2014.

Emotional Farewell in Tokyo

Following his final match, a tribute video featuring messages from several top stars was broadcast. Carlos Alcaraz said:

Thank you for all the great memories you gave to the tour and the fans. I consider myself a fan of yours. Congratulations on everything you have done, on a great career, and I wish you all the best in the new chapter.

Other players including Andy Murray, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, and Grigor Dimitrov joined in the tributes. Dimitrov praised Nishikori's two-handed backhand as the best he had ever seen, while Fritz recalled being a nervous 16-year-old hitting with him.

Meanwhile, Alcaraz successfully opened his campaign in Tokyo with a 6-7 (1), 6-4, 1:6 victory over Alex Michelsen, continuing his title defense.