#NextGenATP: Sakamoto Surges with Nishikori’s Support
Discover the rise of the 18-year-old tennis prodigy, Rei Sakamoto, and his inspiring journey fueled by Kei Nishikori’s mentorship.
February 05, 2025
Kenta Harada/Getty Images
Rei Sakamoto and Kei Nishikori partnered at their home ATP 500 in Tokyo last September.
By Grant Thompson
Rei Sakamoto, an 18-year-old Japanese tennis sensation, has been making waves on the ATP Challenger Tour. His journey is as inspiring as it is promising, with a special emphasis on the role mentor Kei Nishikori has played in his development.
Inspiration from a Young Age
Sakamoto’s journey began when he was just eight years old, sitting in his grandmother’s house and watching Kei Nishikori compete in the 2014 US Open final. Nishikori’s historic achievement as the first Asian male to reach a Grand Slam final was a pivotal moment for Japanese tennis, igniting Sakamoto’s passion for the sport.
A Rapid Rise on the Challenger Tour
Fast forward to 2025, and Sakamoto is making his mark in professional tennis, particularly on the ATP Challenger Tour. Last season, he made history by becoming the second-youngest Japanese Challenger champion with a title at the Yokkaichi tournament. Sakamoto’s achievement is a testament to his talent and hard work, although he acknowledges that there is still much to learn from his idol, Nishikori.
“Whenever I compare myself to Kei when he was my age, I feel like he’s in a different world,” Sakamoto told ATPTour.com. “He won his first ATP tournament when he just turned 18. Right now I won a Challenger, but whenever I compare myself — as I get closer to him, I feel farther.”
Moving to IMG Academy: Learning and Growing
In February 2022, Sakamoto took a significant step in his career by moving from Japan to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where Nishikori began his training at age 14. Adjusting to life far from home and learning a new language were significant challenges, but Sakamoto persevered.
A Sporting Bond
Sakamoto and Nishikori have developed a strong bond. Sakamoto trained with Nishikori and forged a genuine friendship with the 12-time ATP champion. Their partnership extended to doubles play, as they competed together at the Tokyo ATP 500 last September.
Sakamoto describes Nishikori as very approachable and supportive: “He’s so nice and friendly. Then sometimes he makes some jokes. On court, he still looks the way he used to be, but off court, he’s just one chill guy. I like him a lot.”
Advice from a Veteran
Nishikori’s advice has been invaluable to Sakamoto’s development. During a training session almost two years ago, Nishikori suggested that Sakamoto should increase the pressure on his opponents, particularly with his serve. This piece of advice led Sakamoto to adopt a more aggressive playing style.
A Tenacious Childhood
Nishikori was already a top 20 player when Sakamoto picked up a racquet at age six. Sakamoto tried various sports in his youth, including swimming, baseball, and volleyball. However, he quickly discovered his passion for tennis.
“Practising swimming was not fun at all, you’re just moving back and forth and it makes no sense to me,” Sakamoto said with a laugh. “So I chose tennis.”
A Major Achievement: Australian Open Boys’ Singles
In January 2024, Sakamoto reached a new milestone by winning the Australian Open boys’ singles event. Sakamoto’s Instagram followers doubled after he won, indicating a surge in public interest.
One of the most memorable moments came at the trophy presentation when Sakamoto adopted an Australian accent: “G’day mate,” he said to the audience. This playful moment added to the excitement of the event.
Looking to the Future
Sakamoto has only participated in eight ATP Challenger Tour events, but his performance in the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah places him tenth in the rankings. He aims to secure a spot in the 20-and-under Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, an opportunity he believes would be invaluable.
“The goal is to be playing qualifying for the US Open, to have enough ranking for that,” Sakamoto said. “If I could play the Next Gen Finals, that would be a great experience.”
Rei Sakamoto in action at the Nonthaburi Challenger. Credit: The Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand
Conclusion
Rei Sakamoto’s journey from an eight-year-old watching Nishikori on TV to a promising ATP Challenger Tour player is a compelling story of dedication and inspiration. As Sakamoto continues to climb the rankings and pursue his goals, his relationship with Nishikori will undoubtedly play a key role in his success.
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