What Happened to Kei Nishikori?
Kei Nishikori, Japan's most successful male tennis player, announced his retirement from professional tennis at the end of the 2026 season, citing a decline in motivation due to persistent injuries. A former world No. 4 and 2014 US Open finalist, Nishikori is currently playing his final tournaments, including the Mubadala DC Open in July 2026, as he bids farewell to the sport.
Quick Answer
Kei Nishikori is retiring from professional tennis at the end of the 2026 season. The decision, announced in April 2026, stems from a prolonged battle with injuries, including hip and back issues, which diminished his motivation to continue competing at the highest level. As of July 27, 2026, Nishikori, aged 36, is participating in his final tournaments, such as the Mubadala DC Open, reflecting on a career that saw him reach world No. 4 and an Olympic bronze medal.
πKey Facts
π Complete Timeline13 events
Turned Professional
Kei Nishikori officially began his professional tennis career.
Won First ATP Title
Nishikori captured his first ATP singles title at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships.
US Open Finalist
Made history by becoming the first Asian man to reach a Grand Slam singles final at the US Open, where he defeated world No. 1 Novak Djokovic before losing to Marin ΔiliΔ.
Achieved Career-High Ranking of World No. 4
Nishikori reached his highest singles ranking, becoming the highest-ranked Japanese man in the Open Era.
Won Olympic Bronze Medal
Secured a bronze medal in men's singles at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, defeating Rafael Nadal, marking Japan's first Olympic tennis medal in 96 years.
Season-Ending Wrist Injury
Withdrew from the remainder of the 2017 season due to a torn tendon in his right wrist, leading to a significant drop in his ranking.
Underwent Left Hip Surgery
Nishikori had surgery on his left hip, which kept him off the tour for an extended period.
Returned to Competition and Won Challenger Title
After nearly two years off the ATP Tour, Nishikori made his return at the Caribbean Open Challenger and won the title while unranked.
Withdrew from French Open Due to Back Pain
Pulled out of the French Open before his first-round match due to lower back pain, indicating ongoing physical struggles.
Withdrew from US Open and Considered Retirement
Announced his withdrawal from the US Open due to an unhealed back injury and later revealed he seriously considered retirement around this time due to persistent pain and declining motivation.
Announced Retirement at End of 2026 Season
Kei Nishikori publicly declared his decision to retire from professional tennis after the conclusion of the 2026 season via social media.
Press Conference Detailing Retirement Reasons
Nishikori held a press conference ahead of the Mubadala DC Open, explaining that his decision to retire was driven by declining motivation due to persistent injuries.
Competing in Mubadala DC Open
Nishikori began his participation in the Mubadala DC Open, one of his final tournaments before his retirement at the end of the season.
πDeep Dive Analysis
Kei Nishikori's career has been a remarkable journey marked by groundbreaking achievements and persistent injury struggles. Born on December 29, 1989, Nishikori turned professional in 2007 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the first Japanese man in the Open Era to achieve a top-five ranking. His career highlight came in 2014 when he reached the final of the US Open, defeating world No. 1 Novak Djokovic en route, a historic feat for an Asian male player.
Nishikori reached his career-high ranking of world No. 4 on March 2, 2015, and further solidified his legacy by winning a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Japan's first Olympic tennis medal in 96 years. He accumulated 12 ATP singles titles throughout his career, showcasing a consistent presence among the sport's elite.
However, the latter half of his career was significantly hampered by a series of debilitating injuries. A right wrist tendon tear in 2017 forced him to miss the remainder of that season, causing a significant drop in his ranking. This was followed by left hip surgery in January 2022, which sidelined him for an extended period. Despite making a competitive return in June 2023 and winning a Challenger title, other physical issues, particularly recurring back pain, continued to plague him.
The constant cycle of injury and rehabilitation began to take a toll on Nishikori's motivation. He revealed that the idea of retirement first crossed his mind in August 2025 after a tournament, as he struggled with pain in multiple parts of his body and found it difficult to commit to the rigorous physical preparation required. He withdrew from the French Open and US Open in 2025 due to back injuries, further highlighting his physical challenges.
On April 30, 2026, Nishikori officially announced his decision to retire from professional tennis at the end of the 2026 season. At a press conference on July 26, 2026, ahead of the Mubadala DC Open, he elaborated on his decision, stating that his declining motivation due to mounting injuries was the primary factor. He expressed a bittersweet feeling, acknowledging his achievements while also regretting not winning a Grand Slam or Masters 1000 title. Nishikori is currently competing in the Mubadala DC Open, which is one of his final tournaments, aiming to enjoy his remaining matches and rediscover his love for tennis as he approaches his farewell.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Kei Nishikori made different choices?