Kei Nishikori closed out his US Open career on Friday at Flushing Meadows with a straight-sets defeat to fellow Japanese player Rei Sakamoto, 6-4, 7-6(3). The former world No. 4, now 36, left the court in good spirits despite the loss.
Nishikori entered the match without feeling pressure and was eager for the matchup, having known Sakamoto for years through training together at the IMG Academy. On the day, Sakamoto’s pace and serving kept Nishikori from finding his rhythm, and Nishikori felt he was unable to produce his best level.
A Symbolic Passing of the Torch
The occasion carried a symbolic feel, with Sakamoto acknowledging Nishikori’s impact on Japanese tennis in what many saw as a passing of the torch. Twelve years ago, Nishikori delivered a landmark run in New York by reaching the US Open final, becoming the first Asian man to play a singles final at a Grand Slam. He climbed to a career-high ranking of No. 4 the following year.
Nishikori plans to retire later this season. While he has not set specific next steps, he aims to support the growth of Japanese and Asian tennis. He has expressed concern about the recent scarcity of Asian men in the Top 20 or Top 30 but pointed to emerging talent, including China’s Jason Yibing Wu and Jerry Shang, and sees promise in Sakamoto as well.
The match took place on August 28, 2026, marking the end of an era for Nishikori, who has been a pivotal figure in the sport. His legacy will likely inspire future generations of tennis players in Japan and beyond, as the tennis community reflects on his contributions to the game.