World No.5 Kei Nishikori has withdrawn from next week’s Shanghai Masters after sustaining an injury during the Japan Open.
Nishikori was forced to retire during his second round match against Portugal’s Joao Sousa after injuring his left gluteal muscle. It was the first time in his professional career that Nishikori retired during a match in his home country. After seeking medical advice, the Japanese player has been told that he needs to undergo ‘heavy rehab’ and rest for approximately 10 days.
“As you know, I injured myself yesterday (Wednesday) in the match and all the tests show I have a light strain in my left gluteal muscle.” Nishikori said in a statement. “The doctor is recommending rest and heavy rehab. I will do everything I can to get back on the court and be ready for the end of the season. As a result, I have to pull out of the Shanghai Masters.”
According to one of Nishikori’s mentors, Shuzo Matsuoka, he was struggling to walk up the stairs due to the injury. In a press conference earlier this week in Tokyo, Nishikori said that the pain from the muscle came on suddenly and was unexpected.
This season the 26-year-old has already endured a series of injury issues. At the Wimbledon championships, he was forced to withdraw in the fourth round due to a problem with his rib. More recently, Nishikori pulled out of the Cincinnati Masters after injuring his hip during a previous tournament.
Due to the setback, Nishikori will return to his training base in Florida, USA. According to his schedule, his next tournament is expected to be the Basel Open in three week’s time. Currently ranked fifth, Nishikori is on course for playing at the ATP Finals in London. He still needs another 630 points to surpass the qualification cut.
