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Kei Nishikori Reflects on Japan Open Journey as He Retires from Tennis

Almost two decades ago, Kei Nishikori made his first appearance in the ATP Tour. His debut was at the 2007 Countrywide Classic where he faced South African Wesley Moodie but lost in the opening round. Soon after, Nishikori earned his initial ATP wins, making it to the quarter-finals of the 2007 Indianapolis Tennis Classic.

On a recent Thursday, Nishikori ended his professional tennis career following a 6-4, 6-4 loss to US Open semi-finalist Frances Tiafoe during the first round of the Japan Open. This match marked nearly 19 years since Nishikori first played in the Japan Open.

First Japan Open Appearance in 2007

Nishikori entered the 2007 Japan Open with a wildcard and was matched against American Zach Fleishman in the first round. At that time, Fleishman ranked 127th globally and had a notable victory over world number six Fernando Gonzalez earlier that year. Fleishman won their encounter 7-6, 3-6, 6-1. The French player Richard Gasquet, who retired in 2025, eliminated Fleishman in the next round.

The following year, Nishikori returned and earned his first wins in Tokyo by defeating Robert Kendrick and Guillermo Garcia Lopez before falling to Gasquet in the quarter-finals.

Japan Open Titles and Milestones

Kei Nishikori claimed the Japan Open title twice, in 2012 and 2014. His 2012 run saw him overcome Go Soeda, Tommy Robredo, Tomas Berdych, and Marcos Baghdatis to reach the final. There, he beat future Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic with scores of 7-6, 3-6, 6-0.

"It's absolutely unbelievable to win in Japan," Nishikori said after the victory, according to Sky Sports. "Winning an ATP 500 event gives me more confidence going forward. I had never played well in Japan before, but after beating (second seed) Tomas Berdych in the quarter-finals, I felt like I broke down that wall. My target now is to reach the top 10."

In 2014, Nishikori again faced Raonic in the final and emerged victorious with a score of 7-6, 4-6, 6-4. This achievement placed Nishikori among just four players who have won multiple Japan Open titles.

  • Pete Sampras: Multiple Japan Open titles
  • Jim Courier: Multiple Japan Open titles
  • Stefan Edberg: Most successful player in Japan Open history with four titles

Nishikori also reached the final in 2018 but was defeated by Daniil Medvedev in straight sets.

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