# Kei Nishikori retirement from professional tennis

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kei-nishikori-retirement-from-professional-tennis
> Updated: 2026-10-03T11:07:02.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Japanese tennis player Kei Nishikori has announced his retirement from professional tennis. The decision follows a first-round defeat at the ATP 500 tournament in Tokyo against American Frances Tiafoe, with a score of 6-4, 6-4.

Nishikori’s career included reaching a career-high ranking of fourth in 2015, winning 12 ATP titles, and appearing in the 2014 US Open final. His professional journey, which began in 2006, was also marked by a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and a Roland Garros Junior title. He was noted for his explosive forehand, often referred to as ‘Air K’.

The retirement took place in Tokyo, a location of significance where Nishikori previously secured titles in 2012 and 2014.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-03: Kei Nishikori retires from professional tennis

Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori has retired from professional tennis following a first-round defeat to Frances Tiafoe at the ATP 500 in Tokyo.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kei-nishikori-retires-from-professional-tennis

### 2026-09-30: Kei Nishikori retires after loss to Frances Tiafoe in Tokyo

Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori has retired from professional play after losing 6-4, 6-4 to Frances Tiafoe in the opening round of the ATP tournament in Tokyo.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kei-nishikori-retires-after-loss-to-frances-tiafoe-in-tokyo

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Cite as: Kei Nishikori retirement from professional tennis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kei-nishikori-retirement-from-professional-tennis