Kei Nishikori, a prominent figure in men's tennis and Asia's most decorated player, announced his retirement effective at the end of the 2026 season. The 36-year-old has faced significant injury challenges throughout his career, which have impacted his performance. Nishikori made history in 2014 by becoming the first Japanese player to reach a Grand Slam final at the US Open, where he finished as a runner-up to Croatia's Marin Cilic. He also made headlines by winning 12 ATP titles and securing a bronze medal in men's singles at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Despite his struggles with injuries, Nishikori has expressed pride in his accomplishments and the experiences he gained on the ATP Tour. Currently ranked number 464 in the world, he has been competing on the second-tier Challenger Tour. Nishikori plans to make the most of his remaining matches, stating, “I will cherish every moment of the remaining matches and fight to the very end.” His announcement has drawn heartfelt responses from fans and the ATP Tour, which thanked him for the memories.