Rafael Nadal led a wave of tributes after Kei Nishikori closed his professional career at the Kinoshita Group Japan Open Tennis Championships in Tokyo. Nadal praised Nishikori’s achievements, saying it was a privilege to share the court with him, and wished him success in the next phase of his life.
Stefanos Tsitsipas applauded Nishikori’s work ethic and distinctive shot-making, noting how much he enjoyed watching the 36-year-old compete and expressing support for whatever comes next.
Tributes from Fellow Players
Canada’s Félix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov also saluted the former world No. 4, thanking him for his impact on the sport and recognizing his ball-striking and influence on younger players. Marin Cilic, who defeated Nishikori in the 2014 US Open final, congratulated him on a standout career and reflected on sharing major moments, including their New York title match.
Nishikori’s career highlights are impressive and showcase his dedication to tennis. He achieved a career-high ranking of No. 4 in the ATP rankings. Throughout his career, he secured 452 tour-level match wins and amassed 12 ATP titles. Nishikori made four appearances at the Nitto ATP Finals and reached the US Open final along with four ATP Masters 1000 finals. His remarkable 158–60 record in deciding sets places him third on the all-time record list.
As Nishikori transitions from his on-court career to the next chapter of his life, the tennis community will undoubtedly remember his contributions and the excitement he brought to the sport. His legacy will inspire future generations of players, and his influence will be felt in the world of tennis for years to come.