Kei Nishikori, the 2014 U.S. Open finalist and one of Japan’s greatest tennis players, has announced that he will not compete in the 2025 U.S. Open due to a lingering back injury. At the same time, he confirmed that he has ended his coaching partnership with former Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson.
Injury Forces U.S. Open Withdrawal
In a post on social media, Nishikori explained that his MRI results showed his back is “not 100 percent healed yet,” meaning he isn’t ready to return to competition. Nishikori also pulled out of the French Open and Wimbledon earlier this year, and retired mid-match in Geneva. His most recent outing at the Cincinnati Masters ended in an opening-round defeat.
The decision is particularly disappointing given Nishikori’s history at the U.S. Open, where he famously reached the final in 2014, becoming the first Asian man to achieve that milestone at a Grand Slam. Fans had hoped for a full-circle return, but his focus now shifts to recovery.
End of Partnership with Thomas Johansson
Alongside his withdrawal, Nishikori revealed that he and coach Thomas Johansson have mutually agreed to part ways. Johansson joined his team in February 2024 to help guide his comeback from injuries. During their 18 months together, Nishikori climbed back into the ATP Top 100, scored impressive wins over stars like Stefanos Tsitsipas and Marin Čilić, and even earned a nomination for ATP Comeback Player of the Year.
Johansson posted on Instagram to thank Nishikori for the journey, saying he was proud of the progress they made together and wished him the best in his career going forward.
What’s Next for Nishikori?
For now, Nishikori’s priority is healing fully before considering a return to the ATP Tour. His fans worldwide are all eager to see whether he can mount another comeback in 2026. With his fighting spirit and proven track record, we his fans believe he still has memorable tennis left in him.