Kei Nishikori Announces Retirement from Professional Tennis

Japanese tennis icon Kei Nishikori has announced his retirement at the end of the 2026 season. Known for being the highest-ranked player in Japan's history, Nishikori has made significant contributions to the sport, including reaching the US Open final and achieving a career-high ranking of No. 4. In a heartfelt message, he reflected on his journey, expressing gratitude for his experiences and supporters. As he prepares to conclude his career, Nishikori vows to cherish every moment of his remaining matches. Read on to discover more about his remarkable journey and legacy in tennis.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 1, 2026, 14:29 IST

Kei Nishikori's Retirement Announcement

file image of the Japanese veteran Kei Nishikori(photo: X)

New Delhi, May 1: Renowned Japanese tennis player Kei Nishikori has declared his intention to retire at the conclusion of the 2026 season.

Nishikori has played a pivotal role in elevating Japanese tennis, achieving the distinction of being the highest-ranked player in the nation's history and the first to enter the world’s Top 10. He reached a career-high ranking of No. 4 in the PIF ATP Rankings.

In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Nishikori stated, "Today, I have an announcement. I have decided to retire from professional tennis at the end of this season."

He continued, "Since childhood, my passion for tennis has driven me, and I have pursued it with a singular dream: 'I want to compete on the world stage.' Competing on the ATP Tour, playing at the highest levels, and maintaining a position in the Top 10 is something I take immense pride in. The unique atmosphere of packed arenas, whether in victory or defeat, is something I will always cherish."

At 36 years old, Nishikori boasts 12 ATP Tour titles, including two victories in Tokyo in 2012 and 2014. He has won 451 matches at the tour level and has participated in the Nitto ATP Finals four times (2014-16, 2018), reaching the semi-finals on two occasions (2014 and 2016).

His most successful season came in 2014, where he clinched four tour-level titles and achieved a remarkable 54-14 record, as per the ATP Win/Loss Index.

During that year, Nishikori made it to the US Open final, defeating then-World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals. He also reached the semi-finals at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Miami, where he triumphed over Roger Federer in the quarter-finals, according to ATP reports.

His last appearance in a tour-level event was at the Cincinnati Open last year, and he recently participated in an ATP Challenger event in Savannah, Georgia.

Nishikori expressed, "My love for tennis and my belief in my potential always drew me back to the court. These experiences have profoundly enriched my life. I am incredibly thankful to my family and everyone who has supported me throughout my journey." He added, "Honestly, I still wish I could continue playing. However, reflecting on my career, I can proudly say that I gave it my all.

"I am genuinely grateful for the path I have walked. I will treasure every moment of my remaining matches and fight until the very end," he concluded.