Kei Nishikori retires after loss to Frances Tiafoe in Tokyo

Japanese tennis player Kei Nishikori has officially retired from professional tennis following a first-round defeat at the ATP tournament in Tokyo. The 36-year-old former world number four lost to American Frances Tiafoe with a score of 6-4, 6-4.

Nishikori, who reached a career-high ranking of fourth in 2015, concluded a career highlighted by 12 ATP titles and a 2014 US Open final appearance. He also secured a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The Tokyo tournament held special significance for Nishikori, as he previously won titles there in 2012 and 2014.

Following his victory, Tiafoe is scheduled to face Arthur Fils in the next round. Nishikori received an emotional on-court ceremony to mark the end of a professional career that began in 2006.