ATP Tour

Nishikori falls in final US Open match: 'I couldn't play my best today'

Japanese star Kei Nishikori played his final US Open match on Friday at Flushing Meadows, where countryman Rei Sakamoto ousted the former No. 4 player in the PIF ATP Rankings 6-4, 7-6(3). Despite the defeat, Nishikori remained in good spirits after the match.

“I’m sure he had more pressure than me. I had zero pressure coming into today's match,” Nishikori said. “I was really excited to play Rei. I know him for a long time, and we practised together a lot in IMG.”

Sakamoto had plenty of kind words for Nishikori and what he has meant for Japanese tennis on Court 17. It was a passing-of-the-torch moment for the two men.

“I know he doesn't want to lose to me right now,” Nishikori said, cracking a smile. “If it's in the past, maybe yes. But I know he doesn't want to lose, and he's been playing really well. So I was really excited coming into the match, and I think he played really good, very fast, good serve, and didn't let me play, didn't give me good rhythm. So I couldn't play my best today.”

Twelve years ago, Nishikori played jaw-dropping tennis at the US Open, advancing to the final to become the first Asian men’s singles finalist at a major. Nishikori continued shattering records for Asian tennis when he climbed to a career-high World No. 4 the following year.

The 36-year-old will retire later this season. And while he has no plan yet as far as what is next, he has something in mind in the big picture.

“I hope I can help, especially Japanese or Asian tennis,” Nishikori said. “It's kind of sad that there [are] no Top-20 or Top-30 Asian players after me. That a little bit worries me,” Nishikori said. “But you see Jason Yibing [Wu] and Jerry [Shang], there [are] many Chinese players [who] can be Top 20, Top 10, I hope, and also Rei can be a great player.

“I hope I can maybe help some way. Not right now but maybe in the future, yes.”