Kei Nishikori was honored with an on-court ceremony on Friday after playing the final match of his Grand Slam career at the 2026 US Open. The Japanese icon, a 2014 finalist in New York, bowed out with a 6-4, 7-6(3) defeat to rising Japanese star Rei Sakamoto in the final round of qualifying.
Nishikori, 36, will retire from professional tennis following the Japan Open in Tokyo, which begins in late September.
"Thanks to the tournament for giving me the chance to play this week. I was really happy to play these three matches," Nishikori said in a post-match ceremony in Stadium 17.
"I'm not happy to lose today, but happy for Rei," he added after a passing-of-the-torch match against the 20-year-old. "He's the next Japanese top player. I hope he can make the Top 10 soon."
Nishikori's three best Grand Slam results all came at the US Open. He became the first Asian man to reach a Grand Slam final when he advanced to the 2014 title match, and also reached the semifinals in 2016 and 2018.
"I really enjoyed my entire tennis life. It was almost 20 years in the pros," he said.
"Especially here, I had great memories. One final, semis, many great matches I played here in New York. I'm happy to play this last moment, and I have one more tournament to go, so I hope I can do well in Japan."
He followed with comments in Japanese, drawing laughs and applause from the Japanese fans.
USTA CEO Craig Tiley and US Open tournament director Eric Butorac closed the on-court ceremony by honoring Nishikori and presenting him with a framed poster with photos from throughout his US Open history.
Sakamoto also paid tribute to his countryman after he advanced to the US Open main draw for the first time.
"In 2014 I was still 12, I was watching Kei play an amazing tournament here," he said of Nishikori's run to the final. "I honestly grew up watching him play, and he was my idol for my whole life. It's also a pity to see him in his last season. Words can't describe it."
He later added: "A lot of [Japanese] people follow tennis because of him. He's a superstar."
Nishikori reached a career-high ATP ranking of world No. 4 in 2015, boosted by his US Open success the prior year. He won 12 ATP Tour singles titles and also won an Olympic bronze medal in men's singles at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.
