Asia's most successful male tennis player, Nishikori Kei announces he will retire at season's end

Japan’s Nishikori Kei, the first Asian man to reach a Grand Slam final and bronze medallist at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, has announced his retirement from tennis at the end of the season.

“Today, I have an announcement,” the 36-year-old said via Instagram and X in both Japanese and English on Thursday (30 April). “I have decided to retire from professional tennis at the end of this season.

“Since I was a child, I have been passionate about tennis and I have continued to pursue it with only one dream in my heart: ‘I want to compete on the world stage.’

“Reaching the ATP Tour, playing at the highest level of competition, and maintaining a presence in the top 10 is something I am extremely proud of. Whether in victory or defeat, the special atmosphere I felt in packed arenas is irreplaceable.”

Nishikori - who climbed as high as No. 4 in the world rankings, also an Asian male record - first picked up a racket at the age of five, moving to the U.S. at 13. He won his first title on the tour at the Delray Beach Open in February 2008.

The first men’s player from Japan to ever crack the top 10, Nishikori broke through in 2014, when he defeated then top-ranked Novak Djokovic in the U.S. Open semi-finals (he would lose to Marin Cilic in the championship match).

In his second Olympic appearance in Rio, Nishikori beat Rafael Nadal for bronze, becoming the first Japanese man in 96 years to reach the tennis podium at the Games. He played in another U.S. Open semi-final later that year.

Nishikori, however, missed his window to capture an elusive Grand Slam title due to a series of injuries during his peak years. He currently has 451 career wins and 12 titles.

In 2026, Nishikori has been playing on the Challenger circuit. He went out in the second round in Savannah two weeks ago.

“There were also times when I was overwhelmed by frustration and anxiety due to repeated injuries that prevented me from playing as I wanted,” Nishikori said.

“Even so, my love for tennis and my belief that I could become a stronger player always brought me back to the court. I feel that all of these experiences have enriched and shaped my life.

“I am deeply grateful (to) my family and to everyone who has supported me at all times. To be honest, I still wish I could continue my playing career. Even so, looking back on everything up to this point, I can proudly say that I gave it my all. I am truly happy to have walked this path.

“I will cherish every moment of the remaining matches and fight to the very end.

Click here to read article