Kei Nishikori was in tears after playing his final professional match at the Japan Open in Tokyo on Thursday.
The former world No 4, whose best performance in a Grand Slam was reaching the 2014 US Open final where he lost to Marin Cilic, went down 6-4, 6-4 to American player Frances Tiafoe in his last match before retirement, taking place on home soil.
Known for his all-out style and resilient match play, the 36-year-old has been blighted by injuries in recent years but is one of the most successful tennis players in the history of Japanese tennis, claiming a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics with victory over Rafael Nadal in Rio de Janeiro.
Nishikori won 12 career titles in total and was also a four-time finalist at Masters 1000 level. Impressively, he also boasts the third-best win ratio in deciding sets in ATP history at 72.5%, behind only Bjorn Borg (73.4%) and John McEnroe (72.8%).
"Playing in Japan is always a special moment," said an emotional Nishikori after his final match.
A lap of honour also took place in Tokyo, alongside a video involving Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and former Japan No. 1 Michael Chang congratulating Nishikori on his career.
"I wish I could have put in a slightly more convincing performance,” he added. “But I'm happy I kept fighting right to the end.
"I'm proud that I didn't give up and played right to the finish."
Djokovic, whom Nishikori beat on his run to the final in New York 12 years ago, said of his rival: "Your resilience and fighting spirit, to always come back after a lot of adversity, is really commendable and admirable.
"We had some great battles all over the world. I'm really glad you're ending your career in your town, your country, in front of your people. You're going to get the farewell you absolutely deserve.”
Nishikori joins the likes of tour veterans Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils in retiring from the game this year.
