Kei Nishikori traded shots with Roger Federer and two of wheelchair tennis's biggest names in a one-day-only special match in Tokyo on October 11, 2026, calling the farewell showcase "a very special match" as he stepped away from the professional game.
The match was the centerpiece of "Uniqlo LifeWear Day Tokyo 2026 with Kei Nishikori" at Ariake Coliseum, the main tennis venue of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Alongside Federer, the lineup featured Japanese wheelchair tennis great Shingo Kunieda and British wheelchair player Gordon Reid, all global brand ambassadors for Uniqlo.
Nishikori, 36, played the last match of his professional career at the Japan Open earlier this month, closing the book on a career that made him the face of Asian men's tennis.
Nishikori Calls The Showcase A Very Special Match
Speaking in an on-court interview right after the match, Nishikori said the exhibition had been a rare pleasure. "It was a very special match," he said.
"I really enjoyed today," he added with a broad smile. "I'm truly happy that I could play together with such great players like this."
Nishikori Salutes The Legends Who Shared His Court
Nishikori saved his warmest words for the players who joined him, rivals and friends he had spent years alongside at the top of the sport.
"More than anything, I was happy that we could share the court," he said. "They are all great players who make you think, 'As expected of them.' It was really fun to play such a high-level match where you couldn't tell how it would turn out."
He repeatedly thanked the group for crossing the net with him one more time on his final stage.
A Thank You To Fans Ends With A Group Photo
After the match, Nishikori turned to the fans and tennis insiders who had supported him and kept the sport buzzing in Japan throughout his career.
"I'm truly grateful to you for leaving me with such wonderful memories," he said, adding that he wanted to offer thanks and congratulations on behalf of everyone involved.
The event closed with all of the participating players posing together on court for a commemorative photo, capping a day filled with warmth, laughter, and old friendships.
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