“If Naomi appears in awesome clothes...”: Kei Nishikori’s unexpected US Open worry before teaming up with Osaka
ATPSaturday, 01 August 2026 at 04:30
Kei Nishikori’s final US Open appearance will already carry plenty of emotion, but his preparation for the tournament has also produced one of the most entertaining stories ahead of Flushing Meadows. The former world No. 4 will team up with Naomi Osaka in the mixed doubles event, creating a historic Japanese partnership between two players who changed the course of tennis in their country.
The pairing represents a rare meeting between two generations of Japanese tennis excellence. Nishikori became the first Japanese player to reach a Grand Slam singles final when he made the 2014 US Open championship match, while Osaka followed four years later by defeating Serena Williams in New York to become the first player from Japan to win a Grand Slam singles title.
For Nishikori, the tournament will be especially meaningful as it marks his final Grand Slam appearance before retiring at the end of the 2026 season. After years battling injuries, the Japanese star decided to bring his career to a close, making every appearance during his farewell season a chance for fans to celebrate one of the greatest players in the country’s history.
The mixed doubles event will take place during US Open Fan Week, before the official start of the singles main draws, meaning Nishikori could potentially combine his doubles appearance with his qualifying campaign in New York. Despite that unusual scheduling challenge, the former world No. 4 revealed his biggest concern is not managing matches or recovery — but making sure he can match Osaka’s style on court.
Read also
Nishikori’s hilarious US Open mixed doubles concern with Osaka
While many players would be focused on tactics, scheduling or adapting to a new partner, Nishikori revealed that his biggest concern ahead of teaming up with Osaka is something much more unexpected.
“I’m not worried about schedule conflict between US Open mixed doubles and qualifying at all," Nishikori joked in press conference at DC Open. "I’m rather thinking about what to dress. If Naomi-chan appears in awesome clothes, I should match my outfit with hers. It’s the only thing I’m worried about, rather than schedule."
Buscará estar a la altura👘👕
— Iván Aguilar (@ivabianconero) July 30, 2026
Kei Nishikori y Naomi Osaka jugarán juntos el dobles mixto del US Open y está preocupado por el outfit que usará
“Si Naomi aparece con ropa increíble, debería combinar mi atuendo con el de ella. Es lo único que me preocupa” pic.twitter.com/etfOPGTHzy
The comment perfectly captured the chemistry between two players who share a deep mutual respect. During the DC Open, Osaka described Nishikori as more than simply a friend, explaining the influence he had on her career and Japanese tennis as a whole.
“I respect Kei too much to say that he’s my friend. I’ve looked up to him for so long, so for me he’s almost more like an older senpai or brother,” Osaka said.
Osaka also highlighted the importance of Nishikori’s career, praising how he represented Japan at the highest level for more than a decade. “He’s kind of, I don’t want to say, carried us on his back for so long, but he has represented Japan at the highest level for an amazingly long period of time,” the former world No. 1 added.
Their team-up will be part of one of the strongest mixed doubles fields in US Open history, featuring superstar combinations such as Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud, and Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper.
Osaka already competed in the event last year alongside Gael Monfils, although their campaign ended in the first round against Lorenzo Musetti and Caty McNally. This time, however, the storyline will be completely different: Nishikori’s final Grand Slam appearance alongside one of the players he helped inspire.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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