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 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

2001: Won All Japan Tennis Championships for Kids

In 2001, Kei Nishikori won the All Japan Tennis Championships for Kids, marking an early achievement in his tennis career.

2004: Won the Riad 21 Tournament in Rabat, Morocco

In 2004, Kei Nishikori won the title at the Riad 21 Tournament in Rabat, Morocco, marking an early achievement in his junior career.

2006: French Open Win & Australian Open Semi-Final (Junior)

In 2006, Kei Nishikori won the French Open (Junior) and reached the semi-final of the Australian Open.

2007: Won Luxilon Cup

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

2008: First win over a top-10 player

In 2008, at the US Open, Kei Nishikori registered his first win over a top-10 player by beating David Ferrer in a five-set match as a teenager.

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.

May 2010: Won Sarasota Open

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

2014: Victory over Federer since 2014

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

2014: Reached First Grand Slam Final at US Open

In 2014, Kei Nishikori reached his first Grand Slam final at the US Open after defeating world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the semifinals, becoming the first Asian man ever to reach a Grand Slam tournament final. He later lost to Marin Čilić in the final, and his singles ranking improved to world No.8.

2014: First Win against Wawrinka at US Open

In 2014, Kei Nishikori recorded his first win against Stan Wawrinka in the quarterfinals of the US Open in a five-set match. Nishikori later became the finalist of the tournament.

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.

2014: Runner-up at the US Open

In 2014, Kei Nishikori was the runner-up at the US Open, making him the only man representing an Asian country to contest a major singles final.

2014: Nishikori won all four encounters against Ferrer

In 2014, Kei Nishikori won all four of his encounters with David Ferrer, marking a turning point in their head-to-head record.

2015: Clay-Court Season and Title Defense at Barcelona Open

In 2015, Kei Nishikori started his clay-court season at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, reaching the final and defeating Pablo Andújar to win his ninth career title. He also advanced to the semifinals of the Mutua Madrid Open, losing to Andy Murray.

2015: Won Memphis Open for Third Consecutive Time

In 2015, Kei Nishikori won his eighth singles title at the Memphis Open, becoming the first player to win the tournament three times in a row.

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.

2015: Reached Career High World Ranking of No. 4

In 2015, by reaching the final of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel, Kei Nishikori earned enough ATP ranking points to move into a new career-high world ranking of No. 4.

February 2016: First tournament victory since February 2016

In 2019, Kei Nishikori won the Brisbane International, defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final. This was his first tournament victory since February 2016 and broke his streak of nine consecutive final losses.

2016: Won Bronze Medal at the Summer Olympics

In 2016, Kei Nishikori defeated Rafael Nadal to win the bronze medal in singles at the Summer Olympics, securing Japan's first Olympic tennis medal in 96 years.

2016: Reached the Semifinals in ATP Finals

In 2016, Kei Nishikori reached the semifinals of the ATP Finals, marking his second time reaching this stage of the tournament after 2014. He is also the first man from Asia to qualify for the ATP Finals.

2016: 2016 Summer Olympics Bronze Medal

In 2016, Kei Nishikori won the bronze medal at the Summer Olympics, defeating Rafael Nadal. He became the first Japanese man to win an Olympic tennis medal since 1920.

2017: 2017 Davis Cup Play-Off

In 2017, Kei Nishikori represented Japan in the Davis Cup Play-Off against Ukraine, winning the doubles match with Yūichi Sugita, promoting Japan back into the 2017 Davis Cup World Group.

2018: 2018 Season Comeback and ATP Challenger Title

In 2018, after a 5-month injury layoff, Kei Nishikori returned to play at 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, Kei Nishikori won the Brisbane International, defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final. It was his first tournament victory since February 2016, breaking a streak of nine consecutive final losses.