Reflecting on Kei Nishikori’s Japan Open Journey as He Steps Away from Tennis

Kei Nishikori stepped onto the ATP Tour nearly two decades ago, making his debut at the 2007 Countrywide Classic. His first match ended in a loss to South African Wesley Moodie during the opening round. Soon after, Nishikori earned his initial ATP wins, advancing to the quarter-finals at the 2007 Indianapolis Tennis Classic.

On a recent Thursday, Nishikori announced his retirement from professional tennis. His final match came at the Japan Open, where US Open semi-finalist Frances Tiafoe defeated him 6-4, 6-4 in the opening round. This marked roughly 19 years since Nishikori's own first appearance at this event.

First Japan Open Appearance in 2007

Nishikori entered the 2007 Japan Open via a wildcard and faced American Zach Fleishman in the first round. Fleishman, ranked 127th globally, had a notable year that included beating world number six Fernando Gonzalez at the Countrywide Classic in Los Angeles. Despite Nishikori’s efforts as a 17-year-old, Fleishman won the match 7-6, 3-6, 6-1. Fleishman’s run ended in the next round against young French player Richard Gasquet, who retired in 2025.

Nishikori returned in 2008 and made progress by defeating Robert Kendrick and Guillermo Garcia Lopez before falling to Gasquet in the quarter-finals at age 18.

Japan Open Victories and Career Highlights

In 2012, Nishikori claimed his first Japan Open title. His path to the final included wins over Go Soeda, Tommy Robredo, Tomas Berdych, and Marcos Baghdatis. In the championship match, he overcame future Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic with a 7-6, 3-6, 6-0 victory.

"It's absolutely unbelievable to win in Japan," Nishikori said after his win, according to Sky Sports. "Winning an ATP 500 event gives me more confidence for 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 bested Raonic in the final, winning 7-6, 4-6, 6-4. With these victories, he joined an elite group of four players to secure multiple Japan Open titles.

• Multiple Japan Open Champions:
• Pete Sampras – multiple titles
• Jim Courier – multiple titles
• Stefan Edberg – most successful with four titles
• Kei Nishikori – two titles (2012, 2014)

In 2018, Nishikori returned to the final but lost in straight sets to Daniil Medvedev.