Kei Nishikori, a trailblazer for Japanese and Asian men's tennis, has played the final match of his professional career, losing in the first round of the Japan Open in Tokyo. The former world No. 4 was defeated 6-4, 6-4 by the second seed, Frances Tiafoe, according to multiple reports. Nishikori announced in May that he would retire at the end of the year.
Who did Nishikori play in his final match?
Kei Nishikori played his last professional match against American Frances Tiafoe. The 36-year-old, who entered his home tournament on a wild card, lost in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, as reported by NBC Sports. After the match, Tiafoe kept his celebration subdued and embraced Nishikori at the net to honour the retiring player, the International Olympic Committee noted.
What were Nishikori's career highlights?
Nishikori reached a career-high ranking of No. 4, the highest ever for a male player from Asia, according to the International Olympic Committee. He won 12 ATP Tour singles titles and was the first Japanese man to reach a men's singles Grand Slam final at the 2014 U.S. Open, where he lost to Marin Čilić. He also won an Olympic bronze medal for Japan, defeating Rafael Nadal at the Rio 2016 Games.
How did other players react to his retirement?
Many of the sport's top players paid tribute to Nishikori in a video shown after the match. Novak Djokovic praised his resilience and fighting spirit, while Andy Murray congratulated him on an "amazing career," according to BBC Sport. Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Frances Tiafoe also shared messages honouring Nishikori's legacy and impact on the sport, as reported by Yahoo! Sports.
Nishikori's career concludes after years of struggles with injuries, including shoulder pain that caused him to miss the Australian Open in January, according to NBC Sports. He took a lap of honour around the Tokyo showcourt, where he had previously won the Japan Open title in 2012 and 2014.
Sources
- NBC Sports: In his career swan song, Kei Nishikori loses to Frances Tiafoe at the Japan Open
- BBC Sport: Japan Open: Kei Nishikori retires from tennis after defeat by Frances Tiafoe in Tokyo
- International Olympic Committee: Farewell Nishikori Kei, Japan's trailblazer bowing out from tennis on home soil
- Yahoo! Sports: In his career swan song, Kei Nishikori loses to Frances Tiafoe at the Japan Open
- Yahoo! Sports: Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have message for Kei Nishikori as he retires from tennis
Reported from public sources.