Kei Nishikori ended his 19-year professional tennis career on Thursday with a 6-4, 6-4 loss to American Frances Tiafoe in the first round of the Japan Open in Tokyo. The 36-year-old Japanese trailblazer walked away to an adoring home crowd after a career defined by historic milestones, relentless resilience, and 12 ATP titles.
The final match at the Ariake Coliseum brought an emotional close to a career that began nearly two decades ago. Having announced prior to the Kinoshita Group Japan Open that this tournament would be his last, Kei Nishikori faced the world number eight in front of fans who watched him shape the sport.
Playing in Japan is always a special moment,
Nishikori told his home crowd through tears. I wish I could have put in a slightly more convincing performance. But I’m happy I kept fighting right to the end.
Nishikori Falls to Frances Tiafoe in Tokyo Farewell
Standing 178 centimeters, Nishikori noted that his body could no longer execute the explosive transitions from defense to attack that once marked his signature style. Instead of turning defensive returns into attacking down-the-line backhands or crisp crosscourt shots, he relied heavily on defensive slice returns.
The straight-set defeat mirrored the physical toll that accumulated over decades of competing against players much taller.
My body, emotions and endurance no longer keep up with what I want to do,
he explained in his post-match press conference, where he also admitted that a brief post-match thought about playing on the secondary ATP Challenger Tour was merely a joke.
Reflecting on his emotional state after the defeat, Nishikori noted that having started playing at age five, he felt a sudden sense of loss realizing his 30-year competitive journey had concluded. He also reflected on his lifelong aversion to losing, recalling how he cried during roughly 90 percent of his defeats until the sixth grade, fearing the day he might become someone who accepts defeat without anguish.
Historic Records That Defined a Two-Decade Career
Emerging as a trailblazer for his country, Nishikori became the first Asian man to reach a Grand Slam singles final, achieving the feat at the 2014 US Open after defeating Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka before falling to Marin Cilic in the title match.
Nick Kyrgios noted that facing the Japanese star always felt rushed due to his speed and clean contact. Beyond his 12 ATP Tour singles titles and 40 victories against top-10 opponents, Nishikori secured a 72.5% win-rate in deciding sets—ranking third in ATP Tour history behind Bjorn Borg (73.4%) and John McEnroe (72.8%).
Tennis Legends Praise Retiring Star's Resilience
Organizers honored the retiring star with a video tribute at the Ariake Coliseum featuring messages from tennis legends, including Michael Chang, Carlos Alcaraz, Grigor Dimitrov, Alex de Minaur, and Andy Murray. Novak Djokovic praised his competitor’s tenacity through numerous physical setbacks.
“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.”
Novak Djokovic, 24-times Grand Slam champion
Rafael Nadal also shared a message celebrating their history on tour, which included Nishikori’s victory over Nadal in the bronze-medal match at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
“Congratulations on an amazing career, @keinishikori! It was always a pleasure to share the court with you. You can be very proud of everything you have achieved and the example you have set for so many people! All the best for this new chapter!”
Rafael Nadal, 22-time Grand Slam champion
Marin Cilic echoed those sentiments, reflecting on their shared breakthrough season in 2014.
“Be extremely proud of everything you accomplished at a time when the competition was incredible. Also be proud of the number of children you inspired and of the path you showed to many young Japanese and Asian players who are playing today. Congratulations on everything you have achieved, and I wish you and your family all the best for the future.”
Marin Cilic
Nishikori Concludes Career on Home Soil in Tokyo
The venue for his farewell held profound significance. Nishikori previously captured the Japan Open title twice, defeating Milos Raonic in three sets in both 2012 and 2014. He frequently described his 2012 home victory as the defining moment that helped him break through to the tennis elite.
After bowing out against Tiafoe, Nishikori completed a final lap of honor around the Ariake Coliseum court, waving to supporters who watched him carry Japanese tennis onto the global stage for nearly two decades.