Kei Nishikori Retires After Final Match at Japan Open

Kei Nishikori, the 2014 US Open finalist, officially retired from professional tennis after his final match at the Japan Open, held on October 1. The 36-year-old lost to Frances Tiafoe, with a score of 6-4, 6-4 in the first round.

Nishikori expressed mixed emotions in the lead-up to the match, reflecting on his lengthy career that began nearly twenty years ago. His farewell took place in Tokyo, where he received a warm send-off from a home crowd that celebrated one of Japan's greatest tennis players.

Throughout his career, Nishikori reached a career-high ATP ranking of No. 4. His last competitive appearance concluded a remarkable journey in the sport, and he leaves a legacy as a pioneer for Japanese tennis. Other players, including Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, shared messages of support following his retirement.