Nishikori concludes his career to applause at the Japan Open (Photo: Reuters)
Kei Nishikori ended his professional career with a 4-6, 4-6 defeat to Frances Tiafoe in the first round of the Japan Open in Tokyo on October 1st. The Japanese player received prolonged applause from the audience at the Ariake Coliseum after the match.
Nishikori reached the world No. 4 ranking in 2015 and has won 12 ATP titles. In 2014, he became the first Asian male tennis player to reach the men's singles final of a Grand Slam tournament when he reached the final match at the US Open. Nishikori also won a bronze medal in men's singles at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The match against Tiafoe marked the end of Nishikori's career, which spanned more than two decades. The 36-year-old had won the Japan Open twice, in 2012 and 2014. He returned to the tournament this year with a wildcard entry after announcing his retirement at the end of the season.
In the final years of his career, Nishikori was repeatedly sidelined by injuries. Despite this, he returned to the court and continued his career until the 2026 season.
After the match, the Japan Open organizers held a ceremony to pay tribute to Nishikori. Messages from Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and many other players were shown to acknowledge the Japanese player's career.
Nishikori concluded his career with a remarkable mark on Asian tennis. From a young player rising to the top of the world rankings to a pioneer in bringing Asian men's tennis to a Grand Slam final, he left behind one of the most noteworthy journeys in the region's tennis history.
Source: Reuters
Source: https://htv.vn/nishikori-khep-lai-su-nghiep-trong-tieng-vo-tay-tai-japan-open-222261002211216291.htm
