SPORTS

Japanese’s Rei Sakamoto earns a US Open spot, but beats his retiring hero Kei Nishikori to do it

PUBLISHED Aug 28, 2026, 4:10 PM ET

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Rei Sakamoto defeated Kei Nishikori 6-4, 7-6 (3) on Friday to qualify for the US Open main draw, ending his Japanese compatriot’s bid for one final Grand Slam appearance. The 20-year-old Sakamoto, competing in the qualifying tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, struck 19 aces and converted his opportunity after Nishikori saved two match points. Nishikori, 36, entered qualifying with a USTA wild card because his ranking no longer guaranteed direct entry. The former world No. 4 announced in April that he would retire after the 2026 season. He reached the 2014 US Open final, becoming the first Asian man to reach a Grand Slam singles final. Sakamoto, who said Nishikori was his lifelong idol, will make his first US Open main-draw appearance. The qualifying victory also marks a generational moment for Japanese men’s tennis. Main-draw play begins Sunday in New York City.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On September 8, 2014, Nishikori reached historic US Open final.
On April 2026, Nishikori announced retirement following the 2026 season.
On August 25, Sakamoto defeated Jay Clarke in qualifying's opener.
On August 26, Sakamoto defeated Alexandre Muller 6-3, 6-3 comfortably.
On August 26, Nishikori defeated Michael Antonius 6-4, 6-4 convincingly.
On August 27, rain postponed most qualifying finals until Friday. �
ATP Tour +1
Current:
On August 28, Sakamoto defeated Nishikori 6-4, 7-6(3), qualifying successfully.
On August 28, Sakamoto secured first US Open main-draw berth.
On August 28, Nishikori's final US Open appearance ended qualifying. �
ATP Tour +1
Future:
Over coming days, Sakamoto will begin first US Open campaign.
Over coming weeks, Sakamoto could gain ranking points through wins.
During coming months, Japanese tennis may increasingly spotlight Sakamoto nationally.
By season's end, Nishikori is expected to complete his retirement.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Sakamoto advances, while American fans lose Nishikori's final US Open appearance.
Possible long-term US impact: The result highlights tennis's generational transition ahead of future US Opens.
Most affected groups: Japanese tennis fans, US Open spectators, Sakamoto, Nishikori, tournament organizers.
Reader priority: Prioritize official US Open and ATP results over predictions or rumors.