Japanese tennis icon Kei Nishikori has announced that he will retire from professional tennis at the end of the 2026 season, bringing down the curtain on a successful career that made him a trailblazer for Asian tennis.
A Career of Milestones
The 36-year-old from Matsue became the first Japanese player to break into the top 10 of the ATP rankings, achieving a career-high ranking of world number four. Over his career, he won 12 senior ATP Tour titles and reached one Grand Slam final, at the 2014 US Open, where he lost to Marin Cilic in straight sets.
However, injuries have plagued Nishikori in recent years, causing his ranking to plummet to 464th in the world. He has not reached the third round of a major tournament since 2021. Despite these setbacks, he continued to compete, driven by his love for the sport.
Emotional Announcement
In a statement posted on Instagram and X in both Japanese and English, Nishikori said: "Today, I have an announcement. I have decided to retire from professional tennis at the end of this season. Since I was a child, I have been passionate about tennis and I have continued to pursue it with only one dream in my heart: 'I want to compete on the world stage.'"
He added: "Reaching the ATP Tour, playing at the highest level of competition, and maintaining a presence in the top 10 is something I am extremely proud of. Whether in victory or defeat, the special atmosphere I felt in packed arenas is irreplaceable."
Gratitude and Reflection
Nishikori acknowledged the challenges he faced, saying: "There were also times when I was overwhelmed by frustration and anxiety due to repeated injuries that prevented me from playing as I wanted. Even so, my love for tennis and my belief that I could become a stronger player always brought me back to the court. I feel that all of these experiences have enriched and shaped my life."
He expressed deep gratitude to his family and supporters, and said: "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. I will cherish every moment of the remaining matches and fight to the very end."
Nishikori will continue to compete for the remainder of the 2026 season before officially retiring.
