Kei Nishikori bows out for the final time at Tokyo Open

Kei Nishikori’s final match before retirement yesterday ended in a 6-4, 6-4 loss to American Frances Tiafoe in the first round of the Japan Open, as an adoring crowd in Tokyo rose to salute the former world No. 4 and Japanese trailblazer.

The 36-year-old was the first Asian man to reach a Grand Slam singles final at the 2014 US Open and the second after Thailand’s Paradorn Srichaphan to make it into the top 10.

After bowing out at the tournament he won in 2012 and 2014, Nishikori soaked up applause from fans at the Ariake Coliseum as organizers honored his two-decade career with a video tribute featuring messages from top players including Novak Djokovic.

Japan’s Kei Nishikori waves as he leaves the court following his first-round loss to Frances Tiafoe of the US at the Japan Open in Tokyo yesterday.

Photo: AP

“We had some great battles at the Grand Slams and other tournaments all over the world,” 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic said.

“Your resilience and your fighting spirit to always come back after all the adversity you had with your body, injuries and everything that you faced is really commendable and admirable,” he added. “I’m really glad you’re ending your career in your town, in your country, in front of your people. You’re definitely going to get the farewell and applause that you absolutely deserve.”

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz said he was a fan, while Grigor Dimitrov, Alex de Minaur and Andy Murray heaped praise on his two-handed backhand.

The Shimane-born Nishikori reached his career-high ranking in 2015 and claimed 12 titles on the ATP Tour, but has been hampered by injuries for years.

Former world No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece led the tributes on social media, thanking Nishikori for his hard work and aggressive, counterpunching playing style in a memorable professional career.

“Beyond your remarkable achievements, you captivated audiences everywhere with your one-of-a-kind playing style, bringing immense pride and emotion to people across Japan,” Tsitsipas wrote in Japanese on X.