When Kei Nishikori made his Tokyo debut in 2007, he was ranked No. 253 and just 17 years of age. There were hopes – high hopes indeed – for the talented teen, who had been training at the Bollettieri Academy.
But who could have imagined that what was once called “Project 45” – Nishikori’s quest to surpass Shuzo Matsuoka as the highest-ranked Japanese man of all time – would have ended with such an illustrious career and so much universal love? During his career, Nishikori didn’t just pass Matsuoka, he rocketed past him and took his place in the Top 10, finally reaching a pinnacle ranking of No. 4 over the course of a two-decade career that saw him become the first Asian-born man to reach a Grand Slam final at the US Open in 2014.
To list his achievements would not do justice to the gentleman who won the hearts of fans all over the world with his gentle demeanor, lightning-quick footwork, jaw-dropping backhand and all-surface versatility that would make him a fixture deep in all of the Grand Slams.
In the end, there would be 40 Top 10 wins, including two over reigning World No. 1s, as well as a remarkable 27-6 record in five-setters at the majors, including 6-0 vs. the Top 10 in such matches. He spent 212 weeks inside the Top 10, reached the quarterfinals or better at the majors nine times and – let us not forget – defeated Rafael Nadal to earn the Olympic bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Games.
Not long after his Tokyo debut in 2007, Nishikori burst onto the scene in Delray Beach in 2008, winning the title as an 18-year-old. Project 45 would soon become Project 4.
Nishikori always flew the Japanese flag with pride around the world, and he was beloved in his home country. In the end, he would deliver for his die-hards at home, as he always played some of his best tennis for his country, winning the Tokyo title twice. It was fitting that he ended his career there on Thursday night, losing to Frances Tiafoe in a high-quality match that ended with tons of love and an emotional on-court ceremony.
Now that the last dreamy down-the-line backhand has been struck by Nishikori, let’s take a look back at some of the tributes that went out after his final match on Thursday night in Tokyo.
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