Tennis Star Kei Nishikori to Retire in Hometown of Sarasota

Japanese player to end career at ATP Challenger event in Florida next week

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:33am

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Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori has announced that he will retire from professional tennis at the upcoming ATP Challenger 75 tournament in Sarasota, Florida next week. The event holds special significance for Nishikori as it takes place in Bradenton, the city where he grew up and honed his skills at the IMG Academy.

Why it matters

Nishikori's retirement marks the end of an era for Asian tennis players, as he was the first from the continent to reach a Grand Slam singles final at the 2014 US Open. His success and longevity in the sport's top ranks inspired many young players in Asia and around the world.

The details

Over his career, Nishikori reached a career-high ranking of world No. 4 and won 12 ATP titles. He was known for his resilience, consistency, and elegant playing style. In 2026, the 36-year-old Nishikori is currently ranked world No. 417 and has a 3-3 record on the season.

  • Nishikori will play his final professional tournament next week at the ATP Challenger 75 event in Sarasota, Florida.
  • Nishikori last competed on March 9, 2026, losing in the first round of the Cherbourg Challenger to world No. 187 Clement Tabur.

The players

Kei Nishikori

A Japanese professional tennis player who reached a career-high ranking of world No. 4 and was the first Asian male player to contest a Grand Slam singles final at the 2014 US Open.

Clement Tabur

A French professional tennis player currently ranked world No. 187 who defeated Nishikori in the first round of the Cherbourg Challenger on March 9, 2026.

Roger Federer

A Swiss professional tennis player who commented that Nishikori has been an inspiration for many young players in Asia and around the world.

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What they’re saying

“Kei has been an inspiration for many young players in Asia and around the world.”

— Roger Federer

What’s next

Nishikori's final professional match will take place next week at the ATP Challenger 75 event in Sarasota, Florida, where he will retire from the sport.

The takeaway

Nishikori's retirement marks the end of an era for Asian tennis, as he was a trailblazer who proved that players from the continent could succeed at the highest levels of the sport. His career and legacy will inspire future generations of Asian players to strive for greatness on the global stage.