Kei Nishikori has announced that the 2026 ATP season will be his last, bringing a close to a career that spanned two decades and saw him become one of the sport’s most recognisable figures.
Nishikori shared the news on Friday through social media, explaining that while he wished he could have played longer, he felt proud of what he had achieved.
Competing during an era dominated by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic—often regarded as the toughest period in tennis history—Nishikori still managed to carve out an impressive career.
In addition to 12 ATP titles and reaching the US Open final in 2014, Nishikori was also the first Asian male player to reach a Grand Slam final.
Naomi Osaka responds to Kei Nishikori’s retirement from tennis
Osaka marked the moment by sharing a photo on her Instagram story, showing the two holding a Japanese flag at the 2018 US Open.
That year was memorable for both of them in New York, especially for Osaka, who won her first Grand Slam title by beating Serena Williams in the final.
Nishikori also had a strong run that year, reaching the semifinals before losing to eventual champion Djokovic.
The image came with a caption where Osaka wrote: “I do not think Kei knows how inspirational he is to me but when I was younger I would always watch his matches and want him to do well.”
She followed up with another photo of them on court together, adding: “Hopefully we can play doubles again sometime!”
Marin Cilic sends his best wishes to Kei Nishikori after retirement announcement
Marin Cilic, who defeated Nishikori in the 2014 US Open final, also took a moment on social media to congratulate him on his career.
Cilic won that final in straight sets to claim his first major title and said: “You’ve done so many incredible achievements during your career. Be proud of that and enjoy the rest of the season, Kei! Wishing you the best!”
Their meeting in New York was notable for being one of the rare Grand Slam finals between 2005 and 2020 that didn’t feature Federer, Nadal, Djokovic or Murray.
Nishikori reached that final by beating Djokovic in the semis, while Cilic got past Federer.
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