Tennis hero who beat Djokovic, Nadal and Federer emotionally announces retirement | Tennis | Sport

Kei Nishikori has announced his plans to retire from tennis at the end of this season. The 36-year-old Japanese star has enjoyed a storied career since he turned professional in 2007 and was once ranked as high as fourth in the world. He reached the 2014 US Open final and contested 10 Grand Slam quarter-finals in total.

Not everybody can say they’ve beaten Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in a professional tennis match, but Nishikori is among the select company that can. However, Nishikori confirmed his intention to retire later this year.

In a statement posted to social media, he said: “Today, I have an announcement. 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 by frustration and anxiety due to repeated injuries that prevented me from playing as I wanted.”

It continued: “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 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’s best run at a Grand Slam came in 2014, when he beat Djokovic at the US Open to become the first Asian man to reach a major final. It wasn’t to be in the final, as Marin Cilic took the title, but Nishikori does boast an Olympic Medal to his name, having defeated Nadal at the Rio 2016 Games to take bronze for Japan.

That same season, he recorded his second semi-final finish at the Tour Finals, while two years later, the Shimane-born ace completed the hat-trick with a win against Federer. Not only did he beat the Swiss legend, but he also managed it in straight sets.

Nishikori won 12 titles on the ATP Tour and achieved a highest ranking of fourth back in March 2015.