PARIS – Former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori will play on the Japan Open later this 12 months, ending his profession in his house nation.
The 36-year-old Nishikori has acquired a wild card invitation from match organizers, the ATP Tour introduced on Tuesday.
The Tokyo Video games can be held from September thirtieth to October sixth.
By reaching fourth place, Nishikori grew to become the highest-ranked Japanese male participant within the historical past of the ATP Rankings.
Nishikori made his skilled debut in 2007 and have become the primary Japanese male to achieve a Grand Slam singles remaining (2014 US Open). Within the title match, he misplaced to Croatia’s Marin Cilic in straight units.
Nishikori additionally gained the bronze medal on the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, defeating Rafael Nadal.
Michael Chang, who coached Nishikori and gained the French Open in 1989, stated he must be praised for his achievements, having performed within the Large 3 and Large 4 period with Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
“It is not straightforward for him to be No. 4 on the earth on two totally different events,” Chan informed The Related Press on the French Open. “I inform him I can solely really feel nice about what he has achieved in tennis.
“He is approaching a distinct stage in his life and perhaps he does not agree with me, however I believe he’ll do extra essential and extra thrilling issues along with his younger household,” Chan added. “He is had an excellent profession and I hope it ends effectively, however Tokyo will give him a great ship off as a result of I believe he deserves it.”
Nishikori has performed solely on the decrease league Challenger Tour this 12 months after struggling accidents. At present quantity 703.
“As a Japanese individual, I used to be capable of look as much as him and see every part he had achieved. At the moment, in a world the place Japanese tennis had not progressed as a lot as he had, it was very inspiring,” four-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka stated in Paris. “I wished to face subsequent to him as a feminine consultant.
“So I am actually completely satisfied to have the ability to do this,” Osaka added. “I recognize every part he has accomplished and I’d like to see him play tennis once more.”
