Challenges in the Life of Kei Nishikori in a Detailed Timeline

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 made history as the first man representing an Asian country to reach a major singles final at the 2014 US Open. Furthermore, he was the first man from Asia to qualify for the ATP Finals, advancing to the semifinals twice. Currently, he stands as the top-ranked Japanese player.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

June 2008: Forfeited First Round Match at Wimbledon

On 23 June 2008, Kei Nishikori's first Grand Slam appearance at the Wimbledon Championships ended in a first-round forfeiture to French player Marc Gicquel due to an abdominal muscle strain; he retired after the second set.

2008: Named ATP Newcomer of the Year

On 25 March, 2008, Kei Nishikori was named 2008 ATP Newcomer of the Year, becoming the first Asian player to win the award. He also suffered an injury to his right elbow, causing him to withdraw from the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.

January 2012: Lowest Ranking Since January 2012

Following an extended absence due to a right wrist problem, Kei Nishikori fell to World No.22 in January 2012, his lowest ranking since January 2012.

2013: Lost in First Round of US Open to Dan Evans

In 2013, Kei Nishikori lost in the first round of the US Open to Dan Evans, who was ranked lower than him, in straight sets.

March 2014: Fell out of Top 20 Ranking Since March 2014

Following an extended absence due to a right wrist problem, Kei Nishikori fell to World No.22, his first time out of the top 20 in the rankings since March 2014.

2014: Failing to defend points from the final

In 2014, Kei Nishikori made it to the final. In 2015, he failed to defend his points from the final, which resulted in his ranking dropping to sixth.

2014: 2014 US Open Semifinals

In 2014, Kei Nishikori replicated his US Open run by reaching the semifinals, where he lost to Stan Wawrinka. His victory over Andy Murray in the quarterfinals was arguably his biggest since the 2014 US Open.

2015: 2015 Hard-Court Season

In 2015, Kei Nishikori won the Citi Open, defeating John Isner in the final. He also reached the semifinals of the Rogers Cup, defeating Rafael Nadal for the first time. He withdrew from the Cincinnati Masters and lost in the first round of the US Open.

2016: 2016 ATP World Tour Finals

In 2016, Kei Nishikori made his third successive appearance at the year-end championships, the ATP World Tour Finals. He won his first match against Stan Wawrinka but lost to Novak Djokovic in the semifinals, ending the season ranked World No. 5.

2016: Meetings with Cilic in 2016

In 2016, Kei Nishikori retired mid-match against Marin Cilic at Wimbledon and lost to Cilic in the final of the Swiss Indoors. Cilic also defeated Nishikori at the ATP World Tour Finals.

2018: 2018 Monte-Carlo Masters and Italian Open

In 2018, Kei Nishikori reached the final of the Monte-Carlo Masters, losing to Rafael Nadal. He also reached the quarterfinals of the Italian Open, losing to Novak Djokovic.

2021: 2021 Season Start and Australian Open

In 2021, Kei Nishikori started his season at the ATP Cup, losing both singles matches. At the Australian Open, he lost in the first round to Pablo Carreño Busta.

January 25, 2022: Left Hip Surgery Announcement

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