Kei Nishikori’s Journey from Japan Open Debut to Retirement

Kei Nishikori’s Early Days on the ATP Tour

Almost two decades ago, Kei Nishikori stepped onto the ATP Tour for the first time. His debut came at the 2007 Countrywide Classic, where he fell to South African player Wesley Moodie in the opening round.

Shortly after, Nishikori claimed his initial ATP victories, advancing to the quarter-finals of the 2007 Indianapolis Tennis Classic.

Farewell Match and Reflection

On a Thursday in 2026, Nishikori ended his professional tennis career. His final match was a first-round loss at the Japan Open against US Open semi-finalist Frances Tiafoe, who won 6-4, 6-4.

This last contest marked almost 19 years since Nishikori’s first appearance at the Japan Open.

Kei Nishikori’s First Japan Open Appearance in 2007

Back in 2007, Nishikori entered the Japan Open with a wildcard and faced American Zach Fleishman in the first round.

Fleishman, ranked 127th globally, had a notable year, including a victory over world number six Fernando Gonzalez at the Countrywide Classic in Los Angeles.

The match saw Fleishman overpower the 17-year-old Nishikori with scores of 7-6, 3-6, 6-1. Fleishman’s run ended in the next round against French player Richard Gasquet, who retired in 2025.

Nishikori returned to Tokyo a year later, this time recording wins against Robert Kendrick and Guillermo Garcia Lopez before falling to Gasquet in the quarter-finals at age 18.

Japan Open Triumphs

Kei Nishikori won the Japan Open twice, in 2012 and 2014.

In 2012, he defeated Go Soeda, Tommy Robredo, Tomas Berdych, and Marcos Baghdatis en route to the final. There, he beat future Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic 7-6, 3-6, 6-0.

"It’s absolutely unbelievable to win in Japan," Nishikori said after his victory, according to Sky Sports. "To win an ATP 500 event will give me more confidence in the future. I’d never played well in Japan but since beating (second seed) Tomas Berdych in the quarter-finals, I felt I’d broken that wall down. To reach the top 10 is my target now."

Two years later, Nishikori faced Raonic again in the Japan Open final, winning 7-6, 4-6, 6-4. This achievement placed him among only four players to have multiple Japan Open titles.

• Multiple Japan Open title winners:
• Kei Nishikori (2 titles)
• Pete Sampras
• Jim Courier
• Stefan Edberg (4 titles - tournament record)

Nishikori also made the final in 2018 but lost in straight sets to Daniil Medvedev.