The toughest decision a professional athlete will face in their career is determining when it is time to retire. For tennis great Kei Nishikori, the hour is not just approaching, it is here.
The finest tennis player in Japanese history, Nishikori's career soared to incredible heights in his prime. He made the US Open final in 2014 at 24, becoming the first singles player from Japan in the Open Era (since 1968) to make a Grand Slam title match.
Nishikori won 12 ATP Tour titles and reached the No 4 ranking in the world, behind the legendary big three of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Injuries Take Their Toll
It was an amazing run for the 34-year-old from Shimane Prefecture, who left Japan at the age of 14 to train at the IMG Academy in Florida. But those days are far in the past for Nishikori, who has been beset by a continuous cycle of injury, rehabilitation or surgery, and constant withdrawals from tournaments due to physical issues in recent years.
To put it simply, Nishikori's body is breaking down and not responding to treatment. His various maladies have included hip, knee, shoulder and wrist injuries.
Nishikori, who is highly respected by his fellow players on the Tour, has seen his current ranking slump to 401st in the world. He had missed eight of the past nine Grand Slams prior to this month's Wimbledon due to injury, and was forced to withdraw from the only one he played in, the 2024 French Open, during his second-round match with shoulder trouble.
Nishikori's most recent pullout came on June 25, when he withdrew from the Rothesay International, a Wimbledon warmup tournament in Eastbourne, England, with a right ankle ailment. The star still held out hope he could play at Wimbledon.
"I'll see how it goes for a few days," Nishikori stated. "I can't promise, but I'll try to make it."
Nishikori did play at Wimbledon, but lost in the first round to France's Arthur Rinderknech in five sets on July 3.
For Kei Nishikori, the Olympics Would be the Ideal Send-Off
The sad reality is that playing at Wimbledon may jeopardize his chances of competing at the Paris Olympics later this month, which would be a glorious stage for him to finish what has been a fabulous career.
Covering tennis as I did for several years, I had the chance to deal with Nishikori one-on-one many times. I can say without reservation, that he is one of the nicest, most sincere pro athletes I have ever worked with. A real class individual who is a great ambassador for Japanese sports.
Sometimes he would pass me in the lobby of a hotel where we were both staying, and he would always make a point to acknowledge me and say hello. Not the kind of treatment you would get from many pro athletes these days, I must say.
What Nishikori has gone through these past years has been difficult to watch. Playing singles tennis is one of the most demanding sports from an endurance standpoint. There is no teammate you can pass the ball to. You are out there all alone.
Success in Tennis and as a Product Pitchman
Wanting to persevere is understandable for an elite athlete like Nishikori, but there comes a time when you have to acknowledge that you just can't perform like you used to.
Nishikori has earned more than $25 million USD (¥4 billion JPY) on the court, and likely much more off it through his many endorsements. His stable of sponsorship deals over the years has included the likes of Uniqlo, Nissin, TAG Heuer, Fast Retailing, JACCS, WOWOW, Air Weave, EA Games, and both Delta and Japan Air Lines.
Nishikori has earned everything he has attained in his career and can retire with the admiration of his fellow players and legion of fans. He will certainly be in demand as a TV analyst, coach or endorser after his playing career ends if he desires to remain close to tennis.
Nishikori has a long life ahead with his wife Mai and young son. Giving up the game he loves won't be easy, but the time has arrived. He should represent the Hinomaru, as he did in many Davis Cup matches over the years, one final time at the Paris Games and then put away his racket.
Mao Asada's Retirement Offers a Lesson for Kei Nishikori
Back in late 2016, when three-time world figure skating champion Mao Asada's competitive career was clearly winding down, I wrote a similar column to this suggesting it was time for her to change direction or bow out.
Some of Mao's fans didn't appreciate my suggestion, but she announced her retirement from competition just over three months later.
When I think of Nishikori, I am reminded of the line from an old movie: "Quitting while you are ahead is not the same as quitting."
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Author: Jack Gallagher
The author is a veteran sports journalist and one of the world's foremost figure skating experts. Find articles and podcasts by Jack on his author page, and find him on X (formerly Twitter) @sportsjapan.
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