US OPEN

August 28, 2026

Kei Nishikori

Press Conference

R. SAKAMOTO/K. Nishikori

6-4, 7-6

THE MODERATOR: Questions in English.

Q. What do you think it must have been like for him, knowing he had to play against you in this round and what it could mean obviously if you didn't win that match?

KEI NISHIKORI: Yeah, I'm sure he had more pressure than me. You know, I had zero pressure coming into today's match. I was really excited to play Rei. I know him for a long time, and we practiced together a lot in IMG.

You know, I know he doesn't want to lose to me right now (smiling). If it's 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 coming into the match, and I think he played really good, very fast, good serve, and didn't let me play, didn't give me good rhythm.

So I couldn't play my best today.

Q. You were a 2014 finalist, and I was surprised you didn't get a wildcard entry. Did it bother you had to go through the qualifiers? I know Stan Wawrinka said he wasn't going to do it, and they gave him eventually the wildcard entry. I wonder what your thoughts were on that, did it bother you?

KEI NISHIKORI: Nothing. I was lucky. I mean, I was happy to get in even qualifying. Wildcard, I know it's kind of rare to give wildcard someone didn't win a slam or I don't have any title in Masters, either.

So really happy to be here, and I think Stan deserve it. He won many Grand Slams, and he's been there for a long time. He's been still fighting, and I'm really proud and respect Stan 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 played three matches, three good matches.

Q. Roger Federer was sitting here a few days ago before his exhibition. He's coming into the Hall of Fame tomorrow. He had praising words for you. I want to know, do you think the young players today know how big Federer was, how his legacy was or still is?

KEI NISHIKORI: 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 Djoko, but for me, when I wanted to watch tennis, he was the one I really enjoy watching his tennis, and beautiful tennis. I really respect him and played many matches against him. I won a couple, and that was great memory for me, great achievement.

I'm sure there is many, tons of fans for him even now.

Yeah, I mean, I really respect Novak is still being top 10, top 5, still play great tennis. There is maybe some injuries, but he's still fighting. It's not easy to do.

So I really respect, you know, those, of course Rafa, too.

Q. You mentioned how Federer kind of transcended sport, but you have also had a big impact especially on Asian tennis. With your retirement, where do you see yourself in the tennis landscape moving forward?

KEI NISHIKORI: No plan yet. I hope I can help, especially Japanese or Asian tennis.

It's, you know, kind of sad that there is no top-20 or top-30 Asian players after me. That a little bit worries me, but like you see Jason Yibing and Jerry, there is many Chinese player can be top 20, top 10, I hope, and also Rei can be great player. I hope I can, you know, maybe help some way, not right now but maybe in the future, yes. I hope there can be, you know, three or four people in top 20, top 30.