The prediction Rafael Nadal made about Kei Nishikori at Roland Garros in 2013 that came true

Photo credit should read CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images

Kei Nishikori has revealed he plans to retire from tennis at the conclusion of the 2026 season.

The Japanese star put together a strong career, winning 12 ATP titles while competing during one of the most competitive eras in the sport’s history.

Nishikori had reached his highest level by then, having already broken into the world’s top five and claimed titles in both Memphis and Barcelona earlier that year.

In 2015, he managed to stay in the top ten for 16 consecutive weeks, but that period was also marked by growing struggles with injury.

Photo credit should read JACQUES DEMARTHON/AFP via Getty Images

What Nadal said about Nishikori after their 2013 matchup

Going into Roland Garros that year, Nishikori had already faced Nadal four times without a win, managing to take just one set in those encounters.

Things didn’t improve for him in Paris either, as he ran into the world No.4 on his home turf and fell short once again. Nadal cruised through their fourth-round match, taking it 6-4, 6-1, 6-3.

Even with the one-sided result, Nadal had positive things to say about Nishikori afterward. Speaking at his post-match press conference, he offered plenty of encouragement for the young player’s future.

“He’s a player with a lot of talent,” said Nadal of the then up-and-coming 23-year-old star. “Now he’s in the top of the ranking and he’s improving; playing round of 16 here in Roland Garros is great. He had a good tournament in Madrid too, quarterfinals.”

Nishikori didn’t just break into the top ten – by March 2015, he’d climbed as high as fourth in the world rankings.

Nishikori’s performance during the 2026 ATP season

With injury struggles taking their toll, Nishikori has slipped down the rankings to No. 464 in the world.

So far this year, he hasn’t played in any main tour events, instead competing exclusively at the Challenger level.

In five tournaments, his best result has been reaching the round of 16, falling short of making a deeper run.

His most recent appearance at an ATP Tour event came back in 2025 at Cincinnati, where he lost in the first round.

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