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Reflecting on Kei Nishikori’s Japan Open Debut as He Retires from Tennis

Kei Nishikori made his ATP Tour debut close to 20 years ago, stepping onto the professional tennis scene at the 2007 Countrywide Classic. His first match ended with a loss to South African player Wesley Moodie in the opening round. Shortly after, Nishikori earned his initial ATP wins, advancing to the quarter-finals of the 2007 Indianapolis Tennis Classic.

This Thursday marked the end of Nishikori's professional career when he was defeated 6-4, 6-4 by US Open semi-finalist Frances Tiafoe in the first round of the Japan Open. Nearly 19 years before this final match, Nishikori had made his first appearance at the Japan Open.

Looking Back at Nishikori’s 2007 Japan Open

Nishikori entered the 2007 Japan Open with a wildcard and faced American Zach Fleishman in the first round. Fleishman, ranked 127th globally, had a standout year, including a win over world number six Fernando Gonzalez at the Countrywide Classic in Los Angeles. Fleishman defeated the then 17-year-old Nishikori in three sets: 7-6, 3-6, 6-1. Fleishman was eliminated in the next round by French player Richard Gasquet, who retired in 2025.

The following year, Nishikori returned to Tokyo and notched his first wins at the event. At 18, he beat Robert Kendrick and Guillermo Garcia Lopez before falling to Gasquet in the quarter-finals.

Japan Open Titles and Career Highlights

Nishikori won the Japan Open twice during his career, first in 2012 and again in 2014. In 2012, he defeated Go Soeda, Tommy Robredo, Tomas Berdych, and Marcos Baghdatis to reach the final. There, he overcame future Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic with scores 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."

Two years later, Nishikori again bested Raonic in the Japan Open final, winning 7-6, 4-6, 6-4. This achievement made him one of only four players to claim multiple Japan Open titles.

  • Multiple Japan Open Champions: Pete Sampras, Jim Courier, Stefan Edberg, Kei Nishikori
  • Most Japan Open Titles: Stefan Edberg with four titles

Nishikori also reached the Japan Open final in 2018 but was defeated by Daniil Medvedev in straight sets.

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