World · Singapore Bureau
Nishikori's Grand Slam farewell bid ends in shock loss to Sakamoto
Kei Nishikori, the first Asian man to reach a Grand Slam final, has been eliminated from what was expected to be his final major tournament before retirement. The 36-year-old Japanese veteran fell to compatriot Yoshihito Sakamoto in a stunning upset.
LSN Singapore ·
Nishikori's attempt to cap his distinguished career with one last deep run at a Grand Slam tournament has ended prematurely, with the veteran losing to fellow Japanese player Sakamoto in a result that upended expectations for the aging champion.
The 36-year-old had harbored hopes of making a memorable final appearance at a major championship before stepping away from professional tennis. However, Sakamoto proved too strong on the day, derailing Nishikori's plans in a competitive encounter.
Nishikori made history in 2014 when he became the first Asian man to reach a Grand Slam final, finishing as runner-up at the US Open. That breakthrough remains a landmark achievement in Asian tennis history and a career highlight for the Japanese ace.
The loss marks the end of Nishikori's farewell tour hopes at the Grand Slams, though his retirement timeline remains to be formally announced. His exit underscores the changing landscape of professional tennis, where new generations of Japanese players like Sakamoto are making their own mark on the sport.