Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori is arguably the greatest Asian male tennis player in tennis history, but the 33-year old always seems to fall short when it comes to winning a big title.

Nishikori broke into the limelight when he reached the 2014 US Open final, falling to Croatia's Marin Cilic. Subsequently, the Shimane native has set several notable career landmarks, including breaking into the top 5 to reach a career-high ranking of World No.4 in 2015.

Read also

Novak Djokovic sealing eighth year end World No.1 now secure after Carlos Alcaraz loss in Shanghai

The Japanese star's accomplishments fall short of a big title

With a top 5 sighting already on his resume, Nishikori has accumulated several other accolades. The 2014 US Open runner-up has amassed 12 career ATP singles title, and won the bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics.

Additionally, Nishikori has reached at least the quarterfinals at all four Grand Slam events. He boasts a 67% win-loss record on tour (433 wins), with 40 of those victories coming against players in the top 10.

Read also

PREVIEW | 2023 Shanghai Masters Quarter-Finals conclude with DIMITROV v JARRY and HUMBERT v RUBLEV

Despite his impressive accomplishments, Nishikori has never won a big title, as he has failed to capture a Major, Masters 1000 event, Olympic gold or Year-Ending Championship. Regardless, he will forever be etched in the annals of history as one of tennis' best players, who was never really able to have his moment due to the dominance of the Big 3.