Kei Nishikori retired from professional tennis immediately after his defeat to Frances Tiafoe at the Tokyo Open. The 36-year-old had previously announced his intention to end his career after the ATP 500 event in Japan, where he lost in straight sets to Tiafoe.
A career of highlights
During his professional career, Nishikori won 12 ATP titles, two of which came at this tournament. He was also a regular Grand Slam quarter-finalist and was the 2014 US Open runner-up to Marin Cilic. Another career highlight was earning a bronze medal for Japan at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Nishikori won the Japan Open in 2012 and again in 2014, but it was not to be this time, as he waved farewell to the sport following a 6-4, 6-4 loss.
Tributes from tennis stars
After playing his final competitive point on court, Nishikori was celebrated with a video featuring tributes from some of the sport's biggest stars, past and present.
Novak Djokovic said: "We had some great battles at the Grand Slams and other tournaments all over the world. Your resilience and your fighting spirit to always come back after all the adversity you had with your body, injuries and everything that you faced is really commendable and admirable. I'm really glad you're ending your career in your town, in your country, in front of your people. You're definitely going to get the farewell and applause that you absolutely deserve. All the very best in retirement, Kei."
Andy Murray remarked: "I just want to send you a quick message to congratulate you on an amazing career…Amazing skills, phenomenal backhand, always loved competing against you on the court."
Carlos Alcaraz added: "Thank you to you for making great memories for the tour, for your fans. I consider myself a fan…Congratulations for everything you've done, great career and wish you all the best in your new chapter."
Recently crowned US Open champion Alexander Zverev said: "You've been such an inspiration to so many kids, to so many people back in Japan and all over the world. I wish you nothing but the best moving forward and the stories you are going to have. Inside tennis, outside tennis, you never know, maybe you will come back to this beautiful sport in one way or the other, but we will all miss you."
Farewell message
Nishikori is considered the best Japanese player of all time. Upon announcing his retirement earlier this year, he remarked: "To be honest, I still wish I could continue my playing career. 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."
