Former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori has become the first high profile player to withdraw from the upcoming Australian Open.
The world No.22 is still recovering from a wrist injury and confirmed that he will not be fit in time for the first grand slam of 2018. Nishikori hasn’t played a match on the tour since losing to Gael Monfils at the Canadian Masters in August. The Japanese player has opted to undergo rehabilitation instead of surgery to recover his wrist. In 2009 elbow surgery sidelined him from the tour for almost a year.
Nishikori’s withdrawal from Melbourne was confirmed by his agent, Olivier van Lindonk. In a statement the Japanese player confirmed that he isn’t yet ready to play best-of-five matches. Ending his run of seven consecutive appearances at the Australian Open.
“The Aussie Open is my favourite Slam,” Nishikori said, via his agent.
“My rehab is going well but I am just not ready 100 percent to come back yet in best of 5 set matches.”
Doubts were recently cast over when the 28-year-old about when will return after he withdrew from events in Brisbane and Sydney. During the off-season, he told Reuters news agency that he doesn’t want to return until he is in ‘top form.’
“I’m aiming for the Brisbane International but it could be February, or even March, who knows. I want to make sure I’m in top form when I’m back on tour so I’m in a position to win a Masters or a grand slam title.” Nishikori told Reuters.
The timing of the announcement comes as organisers of The Tennis Championships of Dallas, an ATP Challenger event, confirmed that Nishikori will be playing their event. The tournament, which is set to start on January 29th, announced the he has accepted a wild card to play. He is also scheduled to play in the inaugural New York Open, which will start on February 11th.
Nishikori’s absence comes as concerns are raised about the attendance of some other key players. Novak Djokovic hasn’t played since Wimbledon due to an elbow problem and recently pulled out of Doha. World No.1 Rafael Nadal skipped the Brisbane International to spend more time resting their knee. Meanwhile, Andy Murray has indicated that he is considering surgery as he struggles to overcome a hip problem. All three of those players are still on the entry list for the Australian Open.
The Australian Open will get underway on January 15th. Roger Federer is the defending champion and will be bidding to win a record 20th grand slam title.
