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Kei Nishikori Ends Grand Slam Career in US Open Qualifying Loss to Renta Sano

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Kei Nishikori concluded his Grand Slam career with a loss to Renta Sano in the US Open qualifying rounds.
  • The 36-year-old Nishikori expressed pride in Sano, calling it a 'passing of the torch' and hoping he reaches the top ten.
  • Nishikori, a former US Open finalist and world number 4, thanked fans for his nearly 20-year career, cherishing memories made at the New York tournament.

Veteran Japanese tennis player Kei Nishikori has played his final Grand Slam match, losing to compatriot Renta Sano in the US Open qualifying rounds. The 36-year-old fell 4:6, 6:7 (3:7) to the younger Sano, who served 19 aces during the match.

Today I lost and I am not happy, but I am also happy for him.

— Kei NishikoriReflecting on his loss to Renta Sano.

Nishikori, who plans to retire next month at the Japan Open in Tokyo, described the match as a "passing of the torch." He expressed happiness for Sano's victory and praised his potential, stating, "Sano is the next top player in Japan, full of potential and plays very well. I hope he reaches the world top ten soon."

Sano is the next top player in Japan, full of potential and plays very well. I hope he reaches the world top ten soon.

— Kei NishikoriPraising his younger compatriot after their US Open qualifying match.

Sano, the 2024 Australian Open junior boys' singles champion, acknowledged Nishikori as his idol. "I was only 12 years old then, watching Nishikori play brilliant matches here. Honestly, I grew up watching him play, he is my idol, and now he is ending his last season, which is truly regrettable," Sano said.

I was only 12 years old then, watching Nishikori play brilliant matches here. Honestly, I grew up watching him play, he is my idol, and now he is ending his last season, which is truly regrettable.

— Renta SanoDescribing his admiration for Kei Nishikori.

New York holds special significance for Nishikori, as it was here 12 years ago that he became the first Asian man to reach a Grand Slam final. He also reached the semifinals twice more and achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 4. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my entire tennis career, being on the professional tour for nearly 20 years, especially here, I have many wonderful memories. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart," Nishikori shared in his farewell.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my entire tennis career, being on the professional tour for nearly 20 years, especially here, I have many wonderful memories. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

— Kei NishikoriBidding farewell after his final Grand Slam match at the US Open.
About this summary

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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