Former world No. 4 Kei Nishikori shared his thoughts on a career without a Masters title or Grand Slam win as he prepares to retire at the end of the 2026 season.
Nishikori, who reached the 2014 US Open final and four Masters finals, said he tells himself he was the first Asian man to reach world No. 4. "Yeah, I have to be happy," he told Bounces by Ben Rothenberg.
He added that he feels only 50 percent happy because he lacks the major results achieved by others. Nishikori has won 12 ATP titles and the bronze medal in men's singles at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The Japanese player returned to the tour at the Mubadala DC Open, where he defeated Shang Juncheng 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 in the first round. He will next face the winner of Arthur Fils against Rafael Jodar.
Injuries have limited Nishikori in recent years, dropping his ranking to No. 721. He plans to retire after the 2026 season alongside players including Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils.
