Challenges in the Life of Kei Nishikori in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 9, 2025

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Kei Nishikori. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Kei Nishikori is a highly accomplished Japanese professional tennis player. He holds the distinction of being the only Japanese man in the Open Era to achieve a top-five singles ranking, reaching world No. 4 in 2015. Nishikori has secured twelve ATP Tour titles and was a runner-up at the 2014 US Open, making him the sole male player representing an Asian nation to reach a major singles final. He also made history as the first Asian man to qualify for the ATP Finals, reaching the semifinals twice. He is presently the top-ranked Japanese player.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

June 2008: Wimbledon Championships Debut

On June 23, 2008, Kei Nishikori made his first Grand Slam appearance at the Wimbledon Championships, ending in a first-round forfeiture to Marc Gicquel due to an abdominal muscle strain.

2008: ATP Newcomer of the Year

In 2008, Kei Nishikori was named ATP Newcomer of the Year, becoming the first Asian player to win the award. He also suffered an elbow injury that caused him to withdraw from the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.

2008: First ATP World Tour Meeting

In 2008, Marin Čilić won their first ATP World Tour meeting at Indian Wells against Kei Nishikori.

2011: Start of Ferrer's Dominance

From 2011, David Ferrer dominated Nishikori in their meetings until 2013, winning three times in straight sets.

January 2012: Ranking Since January 2012

Following an extended absence, Nishikori's fall to World No.22 marked his lowest ranking since January 2012.

2013: Ferrer's Dominance

From 2011, David Ferrer dominated Nishikori in their meetings until 2013, winning three times in straight sets.

2013: US Open First Round Loss

In 2013, Kei Nishikori lost in the first round of the US Open to Dan Evans.

March 2014: Ranking Since March 2014

Nishikori's fall to World No.22 in rankings also signified his first time out of the top 20 in the rankings since March 2014.

2014: Intense Rivalry and US Open Final Loss

In 2014, Kei Nishikori and Marin Čilić had three ATP meetings, with Nishikori winning at the Brisbane International and Barcelona Open. Čilić defeated Nishikori in the US Open final.

2014: Multiple Meetings and US Open Victory

In 2014, Kei Nishikori and Milos Raonic met four times, including Nishikori's win at the Madrid Masters and a five-set victory at the US Open. Raonic won at Wimbledon. Nishikori won also the Rakuten Japan Open final.

2014: Davis Cup World Group Success

In 2014, Kei Nishikori contributed to three victories in Japan's 4-1 Davis Cup win against Canada, helping Japan advance to the quarterfinals for the first time. He later missed the quarterfinal due to injury.

2014: Failing to defend points at Mutua Madrid Open

In 2014, Nishikori's ranking dropped to sixth after failing to defend his points from the final at the Mutua Madrid Open.

2015: Brisbane International and Davis Cup Clash

In 2015, Kei Nishikori and Milos Raonic first met at the Brisbane International, with Raonic winning. Nishikori later won an epic five-setter in the Davis Cup.

2015: Australian Open Quarterfinal Loss

In 2015, Kei Nishikori and Stan Wawrinka met in the Australian Open quarterfinal, where Wawrinka won in straight sets.

2015: Victories and Defeats Against Ferrer

In 2015, Kei Nishikori beat David Ferrer at the Australian Open and Madrid Open, but lost to him at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel.

2015: 2015 Citi Open, Rogers Cup and US Open

In 2015, Nishikori won the Citi Open, defeating John Isner in the final. At the Rogers Cup, he defeated Rafael Nadal for the first time but lost to Andy Murray in the semifinals. He withdrew from the Cincinnati Masters due to fatigue and hip injury and lost in the first round of the US Open to Benoît Paire.

2015: Meetings during the 2015 season

This entry refers to meetings between Nishikori and Raonic that occurred in the 2015 season.

2016: Wimbledon Retirement and Swiss Indoors Final

In 2016, Kei Nishikori retired mid-match at Wimbledon due to a rib injury and lost to Marin Čilić in the final of the Swiss Indoors. Cilic also won during the round-robin stage of the ATP World Tour Finals. In Monte-Carlo, Nishikori defeated Cilic.

2018: 2018 Abierto Mexicano Telcel

In 2018, Kei Nishikori participated in the Abierto Mexicano Telcel in Acapulco as an unseeded player and lost against Denis Shapovalov in the first round.

2019: Most Recent Meeting at Madrid Open

In 2019, Stan Wawrinka won his most recent meeting with Kei Nishikori at the Madrid Open.

2021: 2021 Grass Court Swing

In 2021, Nishikori had a quiet grass court swing, losing in Halle to Sebastian Korda and in Wimbledon to Jordan Thompson.

2021: 2021 ATP Cup and Australian Open

In 2021, Nishikori participated in the ATP Cup, losing both of his singles matches. He also lost in the first round of the Australian Open to Pablo Carreño Busta.

January 25, 2022: Announcement of Hip Surgery

On January 25, 2022, Kei Nishikori announced that he would undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left hip, planning to return to the tour in about six months.