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Kei Nishikori Reflects on Two Decades Since His Japan Open Debut as He Retires from Tennis
Amir Azimi
Daily News

Kei Nishikori Reflects on Two Decades Since His Japan Open Debut as He Retires from Tennis

Kei Nishikori’s Journey from First ATP Appearance to Retirement

Nearly 20 years ago, Kei Nishikori stepped onto the ATP Tour for the first time at the 2007 Countrywide Classic, where he fell in the opening round to South Africa's Wesley Moodie. Shortly after, he claimed his initial ATP wins by reaching the quarter-finals at the 2007 Indianapolis Tennis Classic.

This Thursday marked the end of Nishikori's professional career after a 6-4, 6-4 loss to US Open semi-finalist Frances Tiafoe in the first round of the Japan Open. Almost two decades before this final match, Nishikori had made his debut at the same tournament.

Looking Back at Nishikori’s 2007 Japan Open Debut

As a 17-year-old wildcard entrant, Nishikori faced American Zach Fleishman in the opening round. Fleishman, ranked 127th globally and fresh off a career-highlight win over world number six Fernando Gonzalez that year, proved too strong, defeating Nishikori 7-6, 3-6, 6-1.

Fleishman was eliminated in the next round by French rising star Richard Gasquet, who retired in 2025. Nishikori returned to Tokyo in 2008, winning his first matches at the event by beating Robert Kendrick and Guillermo Garcia Lopez before falling to Gasquet in the quarter-finals.

Nishikori’s Triumphs at the Japan Open

In 2012, Nishikori claimed his first Japan Open title. He defeated Go Soeda, Tommy Robredo, Tomas Berdych, and Marcos Baghdatis to reach the final, where he beat future Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic 7-6, 3-6, 6-0.

"It's absolutely unbelievable to win in Japan," Nishikori said after the victory, according to Sky Sports. "To win an ATP 500 event will give me more confidence in the future. I'd never played well in Japan but since beating (second seed) Tomas Berdych in the quarter-finals, I felt I'd broken that wall down. To reach the top 10 is my target now."

Two years later, in 2014, Nishikori again overcame Raonic in the final, this time with a 7-6, 4-6, 6-4 scoreline. With this win, he joined an exclusive group of players with multiple Japan Open titles, alongside Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, and Stefan Edberg. Edberg holds the record with four championships.

Nishikori also reached the final in 2018 but lost in straight sets to Daniil Medvedev.

Key Moments in Nishikori’s Japan Open History

  • 2007: Made debut; lost to Zach Fleishman in the first round.
  • 2008: Reached quarter-finals, beating Robert Kendrick and Guillermo Garcia Lopez.
  • 2012: Won first Japan Open title, defeating Milos Raonic in final.
  • 2014: Claimed second Japan Open title, again defeating Raonic.
  • 2018: Finalist, lost to Daniil Medvedev.
  • 2026: Final professional match ended with a loss to Frances Tiafoe in the first round.

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