Kei Nishikori's Japan Open Journey From Debut to Retirement
Almost two decades ago, Kei Nishikori stepped onto the ATP Tour for the first time. His debut came at the 2007 Countrywide Classic, where he was defeated in the opening round by South Africa's Wesley Moodie. Soon after, Nishikori earned his first ATP wins and made it to the quarter-finals of the 2007 Indianapolis Tennis Classic.
Retiring After Nearly 20 Years
This October, Nishikori announced the end of his professional tennis career. His final match was at the Japan Open, where US Open semi-finalist Frances Tiafoe ended Nishikori’s run with a 6-4, 6-4 victory in the first round.
Looking Back at Nishikori’s Japan Open Debut
Almost 19 years before his retirement, Nishikori made his first appearance at the Japan Open. He received a wildcard entry in 2007 and faced American Zach Fleishman in the first round. Fleishman, ranked 127th globally, had notable success that year, including a win over world number six Fernando Gonzalez at the same tournament.
The match was tough for the 17-year-old Nishikori, who lost 7-6, 3-6, 6-1. Fleishman was then eliminated in the next round by Richard Gasquet, a French player who retired in 2025.
Returning in 2008, Nishikori won his first matches in Tokyo, beating Robert Kendrick and Guillermo Garcia Lopez before falling to Gasquet in the quarter-finals.
Nishikori’s Triumphs at the Japan Open
Four years later, Nishikori captured his first Japan Open title, repeating the feat again in 2014. In 2012, he defeated Go Soeda, Tommy Robredo, Tomas Berdych, and Marcos Baghdatis en route to the final. There, he bested future Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic with a score of 7-6, 3-6, 6-0.
"It’s absolutely unbelievable to win in Japan," Nishikori said after the victory, according to Sky Sports. "To win an ATP 500 event will give me more confidence in the future. I’d never played well in Japan but since beating (second seed) Tomas Berdych (in the quarter-finals), I felt I’d broken that wall down. To reach the top 10 is my target now."
In 2014, Nishikori again overcame Raonic in the final, this time winning 7-6, 4-6, 6-4. This made him one of only four players to win multiple Japan Open titles, alongside Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, and Stefan Edberg. Edberg holds the record with four tournament wins.
Nishikori also reached the final in 2018 but was defeated in straight sets by Daniil Medvedev.
