Japanese Tennis Star Nishikori To Hang Up Racket

TOKYO, May 1 (Bernama-PA Media/dpa) -- Former United States (US) Open runner-up Kei Nishikori has become the latest player to announce he will retire at the end of the season, reported PA Media/dpa.

The 36-year-old Japanese star has been a trailblazer for Asian men’s tennis, reaching a high of number four in the world rankings in 2015, having lost to Marin Cilic in the final in New York the previous year.

Nishikori made multiple quarter-finals at all the grand slams and won 12 career titles, but he has struggled with repeated injuries in recent years and has decided to join Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils in hanging up his racket.

In a statement on social media, Nishikori said, “To be honest, I still wish I could continue my playing career. Even so, looking back on everything up to this point, I can proudly say that I gave it my all.

“I am truly happy to have walked this path. I will cherish every moment of the remaining matches and fight to the very end.”

-- BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa