Kei Nishikori, the retired Japanese tennis star, participated in a retirement event on Sunday, honoring the achievements of Roger Federer, the former world No. 4 in men's singles rankings. The event took place at the Ariake Coliseum indoor stadium in Tokyo’s Koto Ward.
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During the event, Nishikori played in exhibition matches alongside Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, and other tennis figures before a crowd of approximately 9,000 spectators. "I’m grateful, and this is what I felt most," Nishikori expressed, adding that he had a wonderful time.
Earlier this year, Nishikori announced his retirement from professional tennis. During the event, he and Federer participated in a doubles match, thrilling the audience. Nishikori previously faced Federer in a full-set Grand Slam match.
Federer acknowledged Nishikori's contributions to tennis, stating, "It is sad to see a great player like him go." The event also featured former leading Japanese wheelchair tennis player Shingo Kunieda. Nishikori emphasized his enthusiasm for sharing his experiences with younger players, saying, "I was happy when I was able to devote myself to tennis."