In 2013, Rafael Nadal made a bold prediction about Kei Nishikori at Roland Garros—one that has since proven remarkably accurate. Now, over a decade later, Nishikori has announced his plans to retire from professional tennis at the end of the 2026 season, closing the chapter on a career that defied expectations.
The Japanese star leaves behind an impressive legacy, having captured 12 ATP titles during one of the most fiercely competitive eras in tennis history. At his peak, Nishikori was a force to be reckoned with, breaking into the world's top five and claiming prestigious titles in Memphis and Barcelona in 2013 alone. By March 2015, he had climbed to a career-high ranking of No. 4, spending 16 consecutive weeks inside the top ten.
But Nishikori's journey was also marked by persistent injury struggles. In 2015, as he faced Nadal on the clay courts of Roland Garros, the odds were stacked against him. Going into that fourth-round match, Nishikori had lost all four previous encounters with the Spanish legend, managing just one set. Nadal cruised to a 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 victory, but his post-match comments revealed a deep respect for his opponent's potential.
"He's a player with a lot of talent," Nadal said of the then-23-year-old. "Now he's in the top of the ranking and he's improving; playing round of 16 here in Roland Garros is great. He had a good tournament in Madrid too, quarterfinals."
That prediction of sustained success proved true—Nishikori went on to become a consistent top-ten presence, reaching the US Open final in 2014 and earning a reputation as one of the game's most resilient competitors. However, injuries have taken their toll in recent years. Now ranked No. 464 in the world, Nishikori has been competing exclusively at the Challenger level in 2025, with his best result being a round of 16 appearance. His last ATP Tour event was in Cincinnati, where he lost in the first round.
As Nishikori prepares for his final season, his career stands as a testament to talent, perseverance, and the enduring impact of a champion's belief.