Japanese No.1 Kei Nishikori has suffered a blow to the start of his 2020 season after deciding to withdraw from two key events next month.
The world No.13 has announced his withdrawal from both the ATP Cup and Australian Open due to an ongoing injury. Nishikori hasn’t played a match on the tour since his third round loss at the US Open in September. He has been sidelined from action due to a right elbow issue that continues to cause him problems. He underwent surgery on his elbow in October.
“Unfortunately I have to pull out of the ATP Cup and the Aussie Open,” Nishikori said in a statement.
“Today, together with my team, we have made this decision as I am still not 100 per cent ready or healthy to compete at the highest level.
“This decision was not taken lightly as Australia is one of my favourite places to compete,” he added.
Nishikori reached the quarter-finals of the Australian Open this year for the fourth time in his career. He was also forced to pull out of the event in 2018 due to a wrist injury. Due to his upcoming absence, he will be unable to defend his 360 ranking points previously won at the major.
There has been speculation in recent weeks that the 30-year-old would miss next months grand slam in Melbourne. Earlier this month, he stated that his goal was to be fully fit for the second half of next year. He had also recently pulled out of an exhibition event in Hawaii.
“The prospect of a return from surgery on right elbow in January. Maybe February. In the second half of next year I want to be able to play well.” Nikkan Sports quoted Nishikori as saying on December 4th.
“I don’t want to overdo it,” he added.
Nishikori embarks upon the new year with a change in his team. In November he added former world No.1 doubles player Max Mirnyi to his coaching staff. He will also continue his collaboration with Michael Chang.
The Australian Open will start on January 20th.
