Kei Nishikori has suffered an injury setback ahead of the US Open after pulling out of this week’s Western and Southern Open due to a wrist problem.
The Japanese world No.9, who is yet to win a title this season, confirmed his withdrawal through his official phone app. He is set to undergo a medical examination after feeling ‘sharp pain’ in his right wrist. Earlier in the year Nishikori withdrew from the Barcelona and Madrid Open due to the same issue.
“Unfortunately I will not be able to play in Cincy,” Nishikori wrote in English on his official app.
“Today (Sunday) during practice I felt a sharp pain in my right wrist and we are now visiting with the medical specialists to discuss the diagnosis. We will provide more details after we have more information.”
Nishikori is in danger of dropping out of the top ten for the first time since August 2014. A semifinalist at last year’s US Open, he will have a high amount of points to defend later this month. So far this season, he has reached two tour finals and achieved a win-loss of 30-12.
He will be replaced in the draw by lucky loser Janko Tipsarevic. It will be his first appearance in the main draw of the tournament since 2013.
The 27-year-old is the latest big name to fall victim to injury. Both Novak Djokovic (arm/elbow) and Stan Wawrinka (knee) has ended their season early to recover from their injuries. Meanwhile, Andy Murray hasn’t played a match since Wimbledon due to an ongoing hip problem. Marin Cilic is also out of action to an abductor issue.
This year’s edition of the Western and Southern Open is set to feature five top-10 players. Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer will be the top two seeds. Either player could clinch the number one spot this week, although Federer also recently cast doubts about his appearance in the tournament.
Cincinnati top-10 seeds
1) Rafael Nadal
2) Roger Federer
3) Dominic Thiem
4) Alexander Zverev
5) Milos Raonic
6) Grigor Dimitrov
7) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
8) David Goffin
9) Tomas Berdych
10) Pablo Carreno Busta
