Tokyo, Oct. 1 (Jiji Press)–Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori, who has announced his retirement from competition at the end of this season, was eliminated from his final tournament, the Japan Open, on Thursday. In a first-round match at Ariake Tennis Park in Tokyo, the former world No. 4 in the men’s singles rankings lost 4-6, 4-6 to Frances Tiafoe, the current No. 8 player from the United States. Nishikori put up a valiant fight but ultimately fell short. His retirement ceremony will be held on Tuesday, the final day of the Japan Open. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
