Kei Nishikori's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Kei Nishikori. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Kei Nishikori is a prominent Japanese professional tennis player, notable as the only Japanese man in the Open Era to achieve a top-five singles ranking, reaching world No. 4 in 2015. He has secured twelve ATP Tour titles. Nishikori 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 Asian man to qualify for the ATP Finals, reaching the semifinals twice. He is currently the No. 3 player from Japan.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1933: First Japanese Man in French Championships Semifinals Since Jiro Sato

In 2014, Kei Nishikori became the first Japanese man in 81 years to reach the semifinals at a Major since Jiro Sato in the 1933 French Championships.

1985: Youngest Quarterfinalist Since Becker

Kei Nishikori became the youngest player to reach the quarterfinals at Indianapolis since Boris Becker in 1985.

July 1992: Broke Shuzo Matsuoka's Japanese Record

Kei Nishikori reached a career-high of world No. 30 in 2011, breaking the previous Japanese record of No. 46, set by Shuzo Matsuoka in July 1992.

2001: Won All Japan Tennis Championships for Kids

In 2001, Kei Nishikori won the All Japan Tennis Championships for Kids.

2004: Riad 21 Tournament Win

In 2004, Kei Nishikori won the title at the Riad 21 Tournament in Rabat, Morocco.

July 2006: Combined Ranking of No. 7

In July 2006, Kei Nishikori achieved a combined ranking of No. 7 in the world as a junior player.

2007: Luxilon Cup Win

In 2007, Kei Nishikori won the Luxilon Cup held at the Sony Ericsson Open by defeating Michael McClune.

August 2008: US Open Round of 16

On August 30, 2008, Kei Nishikori became the first Japanese player in 71 years to reach the round of 16 at the US Open, after beating David Ferrer. He was later defeated by Juan Martín del Potro.

2008: ATP Newcomer of the Year and Injury

In 2008, Kei Nishikori was named ATP Newcomer of the Year, becoming the first Asian player to win the award. He later withdrew from the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open due to an injured right elbow.

May 2010: Sarasota Open Victory

On May 15, 2010, Kei Nishikori won the Sarasota Open by defeating Brian Dabul in three sets.

2012: Australian Open Quarterfinals

In 2012, Kei Nishikori reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, becoming the first Japanese male player to do so in 80 years. He was later defeated by Andy Murray.

2014: First Victory over Federer since 2014

At the ATP Finals, Nishikori faced Roger Federer in his first match, defeating him in straight sets. This was Nishikori's first victory over Federer since 2014 and ended a six-match losing streak against him.

2014: US Open Final Appearance

In 2014, Kei Nishikori reached his first Grand Slam final at the US Open, defeating Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. He lost to Marin Čilić in the final. Nishikori's singles ranking improved to world No.8.

2014: US Open Runner-Up and ATP Finals Semifinalist

In 2014, Kei Nishikori was the runner-up at the US Open, making him the first man representing an Asian country to contest a major singles final. He also reached the semifinals at the ATP Finals.

March 2015: Career-High Ranking of World No. 4

In March 2015, Kei Nishikori achieved his career-high ranking of world No. 4, making him the only Japanese man in the Open Era to reach the top five in singles.

2015: Abierto Mexicano Telcel Final and Career High Ranking

In 2015, Kei Nishikori reached the final of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel and achieved a new career-high world ranking of No. 4. He also reached the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open and the quarterfinals of the Miami Open.

2015: Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell Title Defense

In 2015, Kei Nishikori reached the final of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell after defeating several opponents. He successfully defended his title by beating Pablo Andújar in the final, winning his ninth career title.

2015: Brisbane International and Memphis Open

In 2015, Kei Nishikori reached the semifinals at the Brisbane International and won the Memphis Open for the third consecutive time.

2015: 2015 Citi Open, Rogers Cup, US Open

In 2015, Nishikori won the Citi Open, defeating John Isner in the final, capturing his third title of the year and 10th overall. He reached the semifinals of the Rogers Cup, defeating Rafael Nadal for the first time, and withdrew from the Cincinnati Masters due to fatigue and a hip injury. He then lost in the first round of the US Open to Benoît Paire.

February 2016: First Tournament Victory Since February 2016

Nishikori's victory was his first tournament victory since February 2016 and broke his streak of nine consecutive final losses.

2016: ATP Finals Semifinalist

In 2016, Kei Nishikori reached the semifinals at the ATP Finals for the second time.

2016: 2016 Rogers Cup and Summer Olympics

In 2016, Kei Nishikori was seeded third for the Rogers Cup Masters in Toronto, losing to Djokovic in the finals. He then participated in the 2016 Summer Olympics, where he won the bronze medal, becoming the first Japanese man to win an Olympic tennis medal since 1920.

2016: Bronze Medal at Summer Olympics

In 2016, Kei Nishikori won the bronze medal in singles at the Summer Olympics after defeating Rafael Nadal, marking Japan's first Olympic tennis medal in 96 years.

2017: Davis Cup Play-Off Victory

In 2017, Nishikori represented Japan in the Davis Cup Play-Off against Ukraine, winning the doubles match alongside Yūichi Sugita to give Japan an unassailable lead, promoting his country back into the 2017 Davis Cup World Group.

2018: First Top 10 Win

At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Nishikori recorded his first top 10 win since 2018 by beating Andrey Rublev.

2018: Return from Injury and ATP Challenger Title in Dallas

In 2018, Nishikori returned from a 5-month injury layoff, playing in American challenger tour events. He won his sixth ATP Challenger career title in Dallas, defeating Mackenzie McDonald in the final.

2019: 2019 Brisbane International Title

In 2019, Nishikori started his season at the Brisbane International, winning the title by defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final.

2019: First Quarterfinal Since Wimbledon 2019

Nishikori made his first quarterfinal since Wimbledon 2019 in 2021 Rotterdam, after beating 7th seed Félix Auger-Aliassime and Alex de Minaur.

September 2020: Return to Major Level at 2020 French Open

In September 2020, Nishikori returned to the Major level at the 2020 French Open, winning his first round match after the COVID season break.

2020: 2020 Tokyo Olympics

At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Nishikori recorded his first top 10 win since 2018 by beating Andrey Rublev. He reached the quarterfinals, losing to Novak Djokovic.

2021: 2021 Clay-Court Season Progress

In 2021, Nishikori's clay-court swing showed progress. He reached the third round in Barcelona, Madrid, and Rome. He recorded his best Grand Slam result in over a year at the French Open, reaching the fourth round.