Kei Nishikori a major doubt for US Open after testing positive for coronavirus

US Open
Kei Nishikori

Former finalist Kei Nishikori’s hopes of playing at this year’s US Open suffered a major setback after he tested positive for coronavirus.

The 30-year-old has not played competitive tennis since October last year due to an elbow injury, but was hoping to make his comeback at next week’s Cincinnati Masters.

However, he was forced to pull out of the ATP Masters 1000 event after returning a positive Covid-19 test and, with the US Open just two weeks away, it puts his participation in the hard-court Grand Slam in doubt.

“Hi everyone, I have some unfortunate news today. This morning while still in Florida, I got tested for Covid19 and tested positive. I will have to pull out of the Cincinnati tournament at this time,” the 2014 US Open runner-up said in a statement.

“Me and my team will get tested again on Friday, at which point I will have another update. I am feeling well and have very little symptoms, but will obviously be in complete isolation for the safety of everyone.

“We were planning to fly to New York tomorrow, but will obviously now stay in Florida. Next update will be on Friday.”

The US Open has already been hit by a number of high-profile withdrawals as defending champions Rafael Nadal and Bianca Andreescu, and Ashleigh Barty have all pulled out due to concerns over the coronavirus and travelling.

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Kei Nishikori

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