Sakamoto Rei Announces Professional Debut in Tennis

Sakamoto Rei, the 18-year-old tennis player who won the Australian Open Junior singles title in January, has announced his decision to turn professional. The 195cm tall hopeful, who also won the doubles title at this month’s US Open Junior, shared his aspirations during a press conference in Tokyo.

Sakamoto Rei cited Kei Nishikori as his inspiration, saying, “Seeing Kei Nishikori gave me dreams. Now I want to be a player who gives people dreams.” With Nishikori’s achievement of being a runner-up in the singles title at the US Open at the age of 24 in mind, Sakamoto Rei set a goal for himself, stating, “I want to win a Grand Slam title at the age of 24.”

Sakamoto Rei will be competing in the men’s singles qualifying rounds at the Kinoshita Group Japan Open, which begins on the 25th. He will also participate in the main draw in doubles with Kei Nishikori. Having previously played doubles with Nishikori in practice matches, Sakamoto Rei expressed his excitement, saying, “I’ll be making my professional debut on the biggest stage ever. I want to enjoy and express everything I’ve done up until now. I’m excited to be pairing with Nishikori.”

Sakamoto Rei aims to improve his ranking to participate in the qualifying rounds for next year’s US Open. With a clear plan in mind, he is ready to take the leap into the professional world.

About Sakamoto Rei

Sakamoto Rei was born on June 24, 2006, in Aichi Prefecture. He started playing tennis at the age of 6 and moved to the US at 15 to study at the IMG Academy with support from the Morita Fund. Sakamoto Rei won the Australian Open Junior in January, becoming the second Japanese player to achieve this feat in a Grand Slam tournament after Mochizuki Shintaro. He was selected to represent Japan in the Davis Cup against Lebanon in February and is currently studying at Aichi Homare High School. Sakamoto Rei is right-handed with a two-handed backhand and stands at 195cm tall.