Former world No. 4 tennis player and 2014 US Open finalist Kei Nishikori has announced that he will retire from professional tennis at the end of the current season, bringing down the curtain on a career that spanned nearly two decades at the highest level of the sport. The 36-year-old made the announcement on social media, reflecting on his journey and expressing gratitude for his time on the professional circuit.

Nishikori, who made his professional debut in 2007, is widely regarded as one of the most successful Asian men’s tennis players in history. His breakthrough came in 2014 when he became the first Japanese male player to reach a Grand Slam singles final at the US Open in New York. In that historic run, he advanced through a highly competitive draw before losing in straight sets to Croatia’s Marin Čilić in the championship match.

Over the years, Nishikori built a reputation for his speed, consistency, and exceptional baseline game. One of the highlights of his career came at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he won a bronze medal after defeating Spanish great Rafael Nadal in a thrilling three-set match. The victory was considered one of the most significant achievements in Japanese tennis history and cemented his status as a global competitor.

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However, the latter part of Nishikori’s career was heavily impacted by recurring injuries. He has struggled with persistent physical issues, including a right shoulder injury that forced him to withdraw from the 2025 Australian Open and also sidelined him from the US Open last year. These setbacks significantly limited his participation on the ATP Tour and affected his ability to maintain consistent form at elite tournaments.

In recent months, Nishikori has openly acknowledged the toll injuries have taken on his body. In early April, he admitted that he was “barely hanging on,” highlighting the difficulty of continuing at the professional level despite his passion for the game. His announcement of retirement reflects a culmination of these physical challenges and a recognition that he can no longer compete at his former intensity.

In his farewell message posted on X, Nishikori expressed pride in his career and gratitude to fans, teammates, and supporters worldwide. “Looking back on everything up to this point, I can proudly say I gave it my all,” he wrote, adding that he felt fortunate to have lived his tennis journey. His retirement marks the end of an era for Japanese tennis, as he leaves behind a legacy defined by historic achievements and inspirational performances on the global stage.

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