"I was happy to get even a qualifying wild card" - Kei Nishikori waves goodbye to Grand Slam tennis following US Open qualifying exit

Kei Nishikori has failed to reach the main draw of the 2026 US Open following a tight straight sets defeat against Rei Sakamoto. He looked back on the match as he admitted that he was 'lucky' to even get a wildcard for qualifying.

Nishikori announced his retirement from tennis at the end of the year, with the US Open fourth and final chance of him getting into a Grand Slam main draw, with his last major showing coming in the 2025 Australian Open.

It was last chance saloon for the 36-year-old who was handed a wildcard for qualifying for the tournament at Flushing Meadows. Wins over Sebastian Ofner and Michael Antonius set himself up with one final tie against fellow countryman Sakamoto.

A Japanese tennis player would qualify for the main draw, and it would be the 20-year-old who won 6-4, 7-6(3) to advance into only a second Grand Slam main draw, a first in New York. He produced 19 aces and was dominant on serve while being able to take his chances to find a way past the former finalist, who sees his Grand Slam career come to an end.

In his press conference after the match, Nishikori reflected on his final expedition to Flushing Meadows, speaking very highly of his victorious opponent. "I'm sure he had more pressure than me," he admitted. "You know, I had zero pressure coming into today's match. I was really excited to play Rei.

"I've known him for a long time, and we practised together a lot at IMG. I know he doesn't want to lose to me right now. If it was 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 to come into the match, and I think he played really well. Very fast, good serve, and didn't let me play, didn't give me a good rhythm. So I couldn't play my best today."

With other players like Gael Monfils and Stan Wawrinka in a similar position to him, they were rewarded wildcards into the main draw where Nishikori was forced to go through qualifying. However, this did not bother him.

"I was lucky. I mean, I was happy to get even a qualifying wild card," he said. "I know it's kind of rare to get a wild card from someone who didn't win a Slam, or I don't have any Masters titles either."

He acknowledged that Wawrinka deserved the final wildcard. "So I'm really happy to be here, and I think Stan deserves it. He won many Grand Slams, and he's been there for a long time, and he's still been fighting. I'm really proud of and respect Stan for what he's doing now. You know, I wish I could win today and go into the main draw, but still, I'm really happy I played three matches — three good matches."

Roger Federer was also on court at Flushing Meadows, but in an exhibition match against Andy Roddick as the pair rolled back the years. With the 20-time Grand Slam champion set to be inducted into the prestigious Tennis Hall of Fame, Nishikori had some nice words for his former rival.

"I don't know. I think so. I mean, he's too big for tennis. I see many articles, you know, like, 'Who is the GOAT?' But for me, he was my idol. Maybe result-wise, it's Djokovic, but for me, when I wanted to watch tennis, he was the one.

"I really enjoyed watching his tennis — beautiful tennis — and I really respect him. I played many matches against him, and I won a couple, and that was a great memory for me, a great achievement. And I'm sure there are still many tonnes of fans for him, even now. Yeah, I mean, I really respect Novak. He's still in the top 10, top five, still playing great tennis. You know, there are maybe some injuries, but he's still fighting. It's not easy to do, so I really respect that."

While mentioning Rafael Nadal as well, the Japanese was questioned about his own influence in tennis. He is a trailblazer for tennis in Asia, specifically for the men with his accomplishments making him a standout player in that part of the world.

He hopes that his influence can continue following his imminent retirement. "No plan yet. I hope I can help, especially Japanese or Asian tennis. It's kind of sad that there are no top-20 or top-30 Asian players after me. That's a little bit worrying to me," he stated.

"But, like you see Jason, Yibing and Jerry, there are many Chinese players who can be top 20, top 10, I hope. And also Lear can be a great player. And I hope I can, you know, maybe help in some way. Not right now, but maybe in the future. Yes, I hope they can be, you know, three or four people in the top 20, top 30."