Kei Nishikori, 36, will compete in the ATP 500 event in Tokyo starting September 30. This will be his final tournament before retiring from professional tennis. Nishikori had earlier planned to retire at the end of the 2026 season, but he had considered retiring three to four years earlier due to chronic injuries, including a hip operation in 2022. His decision to continue was influenced by a desire to avoid retiring with regrets. Nishikori mentioned that his return to the US Open this summer helped him regain some of the passion and emotions he had been seeking. Although he did not qualify for the main draw, he participated in the qualifying rounds and faced his compatriot Rei Sakamoto in the final round of qualifications. He described his experience at the US Open as a positive step toward his retirement. The Tokyo tournament holds special significance for Nishikori. He previously won the event in 2012 and again in 2014, following his historic run to the US Open final. He described his victory in Tokyo as an unforgettable moment, distinct from his successes abroad. This year, he was invited to compete with a wild-card entry, which he expressed gratitude for, calling it a "bonus" to be able to play his final matches in Japan. Nishikori’s participation in the Tokyo event underscores the importance of playing in his home country as he approaches the end of his professional career. His journey through the sport has included numerous achievements, and his final tournament is expected to be a fitting conclusion to his career.