What Watch does Kei Nishikori Wear?

Kei Nishikori is a Japanese professional tennis player, ranked No. 5 by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) in 2019. In just over a decade of professional play, he’s managed to set a number of records. He’s the first Japanese male tennis player to crack the top five ranking in singles. Nishikori also became the first male player representing an Asian country to reach a Grand Slam final at the 2014 U.S. Open. In addition, he notched a win over the legendary Rafael Nadal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. This victory scored him a bronze medal.

Early Years

Nishikori first started playing tennis at the young age of five. By age twelve, he’d won the All Japan Tennis Championships for Kids. Two years later, his family relocated from his hometown of Matsue in Shimane Prefecture, Japan to Bradenton, Florida. Here, he joined the prestigious IMG Academy where Andre Agassi famously trained. Nishikori also began coaching with Michael Chang, the formerly No. 2-ranked American champion.

Professional Career

Once he turned eighteen, Nishikori embarked on his professional career beginning in 2007. However, he wouldn’t make his debut at a Grand Slam tournament until a year later at the 2008 U.S. Open. That season, he received the award for ATP Newcomer of the Year, becoming the first Asian player to do so. Nishikori entered his second Grand Slam at the Australian Open in 2009. However, he sat out the remainder of the season due to an elbow injury. He returned to the professional circuit in 2010. That year, he played his first French Open and Wimbledon tournaments in addition to returning to the U.S. Open. Still, it wouldn’t be until 2012 Australian Open that Nishikori would make it to the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam.

So, What Watch Does Kei Nishikori Wear?

TAG Heuer took notice when Nishikori came back from a set down to defeat the sixth seed and reach the quarterfinals of the Australian Open in 2012. Even though Andy Murray ultimately defeated him, the watchmaker saw promise in the burgeoning athlete. So, they offered him an opportunity to join their ranks of ambassadors.

Nishikori continues to proudly represent TAG Heuer to this day. Over the years, he’s consistently worn one model both on and off the court. His model of choice is the brand’s Professional Golf model, which they developed in tandem with golf icon Tiger Woods. The model is a fitting choice given the number of similarities between the two sports. The watch features a lightweight, finely brushed stainless steel and titanium construction, weighing just 55 grams. It also comes equipped with additional shock absorbers to help withstand the impact of swings up to 5,000 Gs. The model is complete with a flexible silicon strap. It features a patented clasp that’s integrated into the watch head, preventing interference with the player’s movement.

Overall, TAG Heuer has created an ergonomic and streamlined design that’s ideal for wear during play. Still, the Professional Golf is equally adept under the hood. The model houses an extra-flat quartz movement as opposed to mechanical. This careful choice on the part of TAG Heuer also contributes to the watch’s durability on the court. Since quartz watches lack a hairspring, their accuracy isn’t compromised when enduring the impact of, say, direct contact with the racquet when Nishikori hits a backhand.