Kei Nishikori’s Journey at the Japan Open: From Debut to Retirement

Kei Nishikori’s Early ATP Career

Kei Nishikori began his ATP Tour journey nearly two decades ago. His first appearance came in 2007 at the Countrywide Classic, where he faced a tough opening round loss against South African player Wesley Moodie. Shortly after, Nishikori recorded his initial ATP wins, advancing to the quarter-finals of the 2007 Indianapolis Tennis Classic.

On Thursday, Nishikori ended his professional tennis career following a first-round defeat at the Japan Open by US Open semi-finalist Frances Tiafoe, who won 6-4, 6-4. This match marked almost 19 years since Nishikori’s debut at the Japan Open.

The 2007 Japan Open Debut

Nishikori entered the 2007 Japan Open on a wildcard and faced American Zach Fleishman in the first round. Fleishman, ranked 127th worldwide, was having one of his best years, having defeated world number six Fernando Gonzalez earlier that year. Fleishman overcame the 17-year-old Nishikori in three sets, 7-6, 3-6, 6-1. Fleishman’s run ended in the next round against Richard Gasquet, a French player who retired in 2025.

Nishikori returned to Tokyo the next year, winning his first matches there. At 18, he beat Robert Kendrick and Guillermo Garcia Lopez before losing to Gasquet in the quarter-finals.

Success at the Japan Open

Four years after his debut, Nishikori lifted the Japan Open trophy twice, in 2012 and 2014.

2012 Triumph

In 2012, Nishikori defeated Go Soeda, Tommy Robredo, Tomas Berdych, and Marcos Baghdatis to reach the final. There, he faced Milos Raonic, a future Wimbledon finalist, and won 7-6, 3-6, 6-0.

"It's absolutely unbelievable to win in Japan," Nishikori said after the victory, according to Sky Sports."Winning an ATP 500 event gives me more confidence. I’d never played well in Japan before, but beating second seed Tomas Berdych in the quarters helped me break that barrier. Reaching the top 10 is my target now."

2014 Victory

Two years later, Nishikori again defeated Raonic in the final with a score of 7-6, 4-6, 6-4. This victory placed him among only four players with multiple Japan Open titles.

• Multiple Japan Open Champions:
• Pete Sampras
• Jim Courier
• Stefan Edberg (most successful with four titles)
• Kei Nishikori

Nishikori also reached the final in 2018 but was defeated by Daniil Medvedev in straight sets.