'I kept fighting right to the end' - emotional Nishikori retires from professional tennis at Japan Open

A visibly emotional Kei Nishikori, once ranked as the world number four in professional tennis, has announced the end of his illustrious career. The poignant farewell took place at the Japan Open, a significant tournament for the Japanese star, where he shared that he "kept fighting right to the end." This declaration encapsulates a career marked by remarkable resilience in the face of persistent physical challenges.

Nishikori's career-high ranking of world number four was achieved on August 18, 2014, a testament to his peak performance. However, his journey has been significantly hampered by a series of debilitating injuries. A particularly troublesome wrist injury necessitated surgery, and more recently, a hip injury led to another surgical procedure in January 2024. These ongoing physical setbacks have ultimately compelled him to step away from the demanding world of professional competition.

Throughout his career, Nishikori achieved considerable success on the ATP Tour. His most significant achievement was reaching the final of the US Open in 2014, where he ultimately fell to Marin Čilić. This historic run made him the first Japanese man to reach a Grand Slam singles final in the Open Era, inspiring countless aspiring players in his home country and beyond. He amassed a total of 12 ATP Tour singles titles, with his most recent triumph coming at the Brisbane International in 2019. Beyond his title wins, Nishikori was a consistent performer in Grand Slam tournaments, reaching multiple quarter-final stages at the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon, in addition to his memorable US Open final appearance.

The choice to retire at the Japan Open, a tournament he has competed in numerous times, underscores the personal significance of concluding his professional journey on home soil. Nishikori's career is a narrative of determination and the unwavering spirit to overcome adversity, making his final words about fighting until the very end particularly resonant. His retirement adds to a recent wave of prominent tennis figures stepping away from the professional circuit, highlighting the immense physical toll the sport can exact on athletes over extended periods. The global tennis community is expected to celebrate Nishikori's considerable contributions to the sport and his reputation for exceptional sportsmanship.