Overview
- Nishikori, who announced Friday he will step away after this season, said he will cherish his final matches and “fight to the very end.”
- He is ranked No. 464 and is competing on the second‑tier ATP Challenger Tour this year after injuries curtailed his schedule.
- He became the first Japanese man to reach a Grand Slam singles final at the 2014 US Open, rose to a career-high No. 4 in 2015, and won 12 ATP titles, plus an Olympic bronze in 2016.
- He has spoken openly about his fitness struggles, saying last month he was “barely hanging on,” which helps explain the timing of his decision.
- Commentators say his exit could shift more attention to younger Asian talents, with the Philippines’ Alexandra Eala often cited as a rising standard-bearer.