Kei Nishikori has been forced to confirm that he is not retiring from tennis this week after “false” information about the issue.
Various outlets had been reporting ahead of the Sarasota Challenger that Nishikori was playing the final tournament of his career.
The ATP Challenger tournament in Florida starts later this week, with Nishikori among its former champions.
He lifted the trophy in 2010, and has since been followed by the likes of Sam Querrey, Frances Tiafoe and Nick Kyrgios.
Japan ace Nishikori will now be eyeing another title at the event, ahead of which he has discussed the rumors about his potential retirement.
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Kei Nishikori shuts down retirement rumors
Nishikori has quashed such talk on social media, writing on X: “Hi everyone.
“Lots of false info out there.
“YES, I am playing the Sarasota Challenger at the [IMG Academy], and NO I am not retiring this week.
“I will make an update myself on this topic in the near future.
“Thank you.”
It’s a very clear update from the 36-year-old, who has seemingly made a big decision about his playing career, but that won’t end this week.
Earlier this year, Nishikori withdrew from the Australian Open through injury, having entered into qualifying for the Grand Slam.
What is Kei Nishikori’s ATP career record?
It is fantastic news that Japan legend Nishikori will remain on the court, even if it is on the ATP Challenger Tour.
He boasts a fantastic record in men’s tennis, once climbing as high as number four in the ATP rankings.
The veteran, who is currently ranked 417th, boasts 12 career titles, and famously reached the US Open final in 2014.
His superb run was, however, brought to an end by Marin Cilic, who triumphed 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 in New York.
| Year | Titles | Tournaments |
| 2019 | 1 | Brisbane (Outdoor/Hard) |
| 2016 | 1 | Memphis (Indoor/Hard) |
| 2015 | 3 | Washington (Outdoor/Hard) Barcelona (Outdoor/Clay) Memphis (Indoor/Hard) |
| 2014 | 4 | Tokyo (Outdoor/Hard) Kuala Lumpur (Indoor/Hard) Barcelona (Outdoor/Clay) Memphis (Indoor/Hard) |
| 2013 | 1 | Memphis (Indoor/Hard) |
| 2012 | 1 | Tokyo (Outdoor/Hard) |
| 2008 | 1 | Delray Beach (Outdoor/Hard) |
Nishikori, who last clinched a title in Brisbane in 2019, has a fantastic 451-231 career record, with his efforts helping him earn over $26million in prize money.
He has competed in three ATP Challenger tournaments in 2026, picking up three wins and suffering three defeats.
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