Rafael Nadal sends heartfelt message to Kei Nishikori after his last ATP match

Kei Nishikori has stepped away from his tennis career.

The 2014 US Open finalist contested his final match on Thursday, losing to Frances Tiafoe at the Japan Open, 4-6, 4-6.

A number of ATP stars paid tribute to the Japanese icon following his last match, including Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.

“I’m really glad you’re ending your career in your town, in your country, in front of your people,” Djokovic said in a prepared statement. “You’re definitely going to get the farewell and applause that you absolutely deserve. All the very best in retirement, Kei.”

Rafael Nadal, another of tennis’ all-time great players, has now sent his own message to Nishikori.

“Congratulations on an amazing career,” Kei Nishikori,” Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, said in a post on X.

“It was always a pleasure to share the court with you. You can be very proud of everything you have achieved and the example you have set for so many people!

“All the best for this new chapter! Thank you, big hug.”

Nishikori retires from tennis as one of the most accomplished players of his generation.

A 12-time ATP Tour champion, Nishikori reached at least the quarter-finals of every Grand Slam event, with his career highlight coming in 2014, when he defeated Novak Djokovic en route to the US Open final.

Injuries plagued the Japanese star during the latter stages of his career, with physical issues hampering his right ankle, right shoulder, left knee, and hip.

Nishikori retires from his professional playing career having achieved a career-high ranking of world number four, collecting over $26 million in prize money along the way.

In 2007, Nishikori made his ATP debut at the Countrywide Classic in Los Angeles, USA.

The Japanese star, who came through qualifying, was drawn against former world number eight Wesley Moodie in the first round.

Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images

Moodie proved too strong for the young star, triumphing 6-3, 6-2 in California.

A short time later, Nishikori secured his first three victories at the ATP level.

The Japanese youngster defeated Alejandro Falla and Michael Berrer at the 2007 Indianapolis Championships, before losing to Dmitry Tursunov in the quarter-finals.

Nishikori won his first ATP title in 2008, at the Delray Beach Open.

Remarkably, the Japanese player advanced through qualifying before defeating fifth seed Florian Mayer, Amer Delic, Bobby Reynolds, third seed Sam Querrey and top seed James Blake.

Nishikori never won a title above the ATP 500 level. However, he did reach four Masters 1000 finals: the 2014 Madrid Open, 2016 Miami Open, 2016 Canadian Open and 2018 Monte Carlo Masters.