Japan’s Kei Nishikori is all set for his swansong on the tour. The Japanese star will play the final tournament of his impressive career on home soil when he takes part in the Kinoshita Group Japan Open Tennis Championships.
Nishikori won the Japan Open title in 2012 and 2014, which was one of the main highlights of his career. The veteran would want to leave on a high and deliver in front of his home fans.
The Japanese star admitted he has mixed feelings before the start of the tournament.
“Very emotional. I have mixed feelings,” Nishikori shared in an interview with ATP Media in Tokyo. “I am excited to play in Japan. But I also know this is my last moment. So, it’s kind of sad. Of course, I want to play good tennis. There’s some pressure, but it’s exciting too.”
In 2012, Nishikori bested then-World No. 6 Milos Raonic in three sets to win the Tokyo crown for the first time in his career.
“That was my biggest moment here,” Nishikori recalled. “Because I think for all the Japanese players, this is one of the dream tournaments, and everyone wants to win and I did it. It was 2012 and I beat Raonic.
“It was a tough battle, but I won a title. I was very happy. Winning here is almost like winning a Grand Slam title for me because this is my home. A lot of fans show up and that was my biggest moment.”
Nishikori once again won the title in Tokyo in 2014. The Japanese had a stellar run in 2014, winning four titles and also qualified for the US Open final.
“I think 2014 was my best year,” Nishikori said. “Winning a title here again, it’s not easy, but I did it. I was very happy. I wish I could win a couple more but two times is good for me.”
Kei Nishikori will begin his Japan Open campaign against Frances Tiafoe on Thursday.
