Nishikori's Grand Slam Career Ends at US Open Qualifying

Kei Nishikori's storied Grand Slam career came to a poignant, full-circle conclusion on August 29, 2026, when the former world number four fell in the final round of US Open qualifying to his young compatriot, Rei Sakamoto. The 6-4, 7-6(3) defeat at Flushing Meadows marked the end of Nishikori's 19-year professional journey at the very tournament where he made history, and it closed the chapter on his appearances in major championships.

The 36-year-old Japanese star, who received a wildcard into qualifying, was eliminated just one win short of a final main-draw appearance. His loss to the 20-year-old Sakamoto, a protégé he mentored at the IMG Academy, was framed by many as a symbolic changing of the guard. "I grew up watching him play and he was my idol for my whole life," Sakamoto said, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of the victory. "It's also a pity to see his last season."

Nishikori's connection to the US Open is profound. It was in New York in 2014 that he stunned Novak Djokovic to become the first Asian man to reach a Grand Slam singles final. Though he lost that championship match to Marin Cilic, the run cemented his legacy. He later reached the semifinals in 2016...