Kei Nishikori announces retirement from tennis at end of the season - 'I wish I could continue'

The 36-year-old has been hindered by injuries of late, dropping to No. 464 in the ATP rankings.

He achieved a career high rank of world No. 4 in 2015, having reached the 2014 US Open final.

Nishikori is a four-time Masters 1000 finalist and has won 12 ATP titles, the latest of which was the 2019 Brisbane International, where he beat Daniil Medvedev in the final.

He also won a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

"Today, I have an announcement," he wrote on social media. "I have decided to retire from professional tennis at the end of this season.

"Since I was a child, I have been passionate about tennis and I have continued to pursue it with only one dream in my heart: I want to compete on the world stage.

"Reaching the ATP Tour, playing at the highest level of competition, and maintaining a presence in the top 10 is something I am extremely proud of.

"Whether in victory or defeat, the special atmosphere I felt in packed arenas is irreplaceable. There were also times when I was overwhelmed with frustration or anxiety due to repeated injuries that prevented me from playing as I wanted.

"Even so, my love for tennis and my belief that I could become a stronger player always brought me back to the court. I feel that all of these experiences have enriched and shaped my life. I am deeply grateful to my family and to everyone who has supported me at all times.

"To be honest, I still wish I could continue my playing career. Even so, looking back on everything up to this point, I can proudly say that I gave it my all. I am truly happy to have walked this path.

"I will cherish every moment of the remaining matches and fight to the very end."

Nishikori is the latest familiar name on the circuit to announce the conclusion of his career in 2026, with Gael Monfils, Stan Wawrinka, Roberto Bautista Agut and David Goffin all set to retire.

The Japanese star was highly competitive in an era dominated by the 'big three' of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, against whom Nishikori had a record of seven wins and 40 losses.

His best Grand Slam performances came at the US Open, where he reached the semi-finals in 2016 and 2018 after his 2014 final defeat to Marin Cilic.

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