Kei Nishikori will play at the Washington Open for the final time ahead of his retirement at the end of this year.
The Japanese star announced in April that he would retire from professional tennis following the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Nishikori, a former world number four and US Open finalist, won the Washington Open back in 2015.
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Marking one of his 12 ATP titles, Nishikori beat Marin Cilic and John Isner en route to hoisting the trophy in the American capital that year.
Ahead of his run at this season’s edition of the ATP 500 event, the 36-year-old reflected on his triumph from 11 years ago.
Kei Nishikori reflects on winning the Washington Open in 2015
Asked in an interview with Tennis TV what his feelings are about retiring, Nishikori said: “There are many feelings.
“Happy, sad, and also excited to be playing matches this week. I haven’t played matches for a long time so I’m happy to play with these great players again, but there’s many feelings.
“My best memory [of Washington] is playing the final against Isner. It was a tough three sets.
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“He was serving very good and for some reason I was returning really well that day and won the tournament.
“It was a great feeling [to lift the title]. Here they have great fans. It’s a lot of fun to play this tournament, so I was really happy.”
Kei Nishikori reveals the moment he first thought about retiring
As per Japan Today, Nishikori revealed the moment he first thought about retirement.
He explained: “It crossed my mind for the first time (after a tournament last August). I had pain in three, four parts of my body and I found myself unable to make up my mind to regain my physical condition in order to battle again (on the court).
“I was having heavy feet going to practice and training. I hadn’t had that at all until then, and the idea (to retire) crossed my mind.
“I’ve been able to practice without holding back, and I’m getting a better feeling. It’s great that I can sense I’m starting to like tennis again as I approach my finale.”
Nishikori will take on Shang Juncheng in the first round of the Washington Open.
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