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Nishikori Retires From Tennis After Loss at Japan Open
Confirmed
In Short: Kei Nishikori, a former US Open finalist, announced his retirement from professional tennis after losing to second-seeded Frances Tiafoe in the first round of the Japan Open on Thursday.
Kei Nishikori, a former US Open finalist, announced his retirement from professional tennis after losing to second-seeded Frances Tiafoe in the first round of the Japan Open on Thursday.
Nishikori, 36, had a career-high ranking of No. 4 and was the first Japanese player to reach a Grand Slam men's singles final in 2014 at the US Open.
In a match that lasted 1 hour and 14 minutes, Tiafoe won 6-4, 6-4, breaking Nishikori's serve in both sets.
Nishikori, who had been granted a wild-card entry to the Japan Open, expressed mixed feelings about his last elite-level tournament on home soil.
Nishikori's career included 12 ATP Tour titles, including two Japan Open victories in 2012 and 2014.
He missed the Australian Open in January due to right shoulder pain and has been battling injuries for several years.
Tiafoe's erratic first serves allowed Nishikori to break back once, but Tiafoe's consistency and drop shots ultimately secured the victory.
Nishikori's retirement concludes a career that began with his professional debut in 2007 and saw him become a top player in men's tennis.
What's confirmed
- Nishikori lost 6-4, 6-4 to second-seeded Frances Tiafoe in the first round Thursday.
What's still developing
- "I am excited to play in Japan, but I also know this is my last moment," he said.
- Open, where he beat Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.
- Tiafoe, ranked eighth in the world, broke first again in the second set to lead 2-1 and the pair held serve until the current world No.
- But the Japanese star could not make the chance count as he lost the next four points that ended the contest, failing to reach Tiafoe's drop shot to exit for one last time after 1 hour, 14 minutes.