TOKYO: Japan’s Kei Nishikori has withdrawn from this month’s Australian Open Grand Slam because he is still recovering from a hip injury, the 32-year-old said yesterday.
Nishikori, who reached a career-high ranking of fourth shortly after becoming the first man from Asia to reach a Major final at the 2014 US Open, has been plagued by injuries in recent years and struggled for consistency.
“Since the end of last year I have been struggling with my hip,” Nishikori, currently ranked 47th, said on Twitter.
“It is not 100% recovered yet and I will have to pull out of the Aussie swing.
“This is very disappointing as the Australian Open feels like my “home” Grand Slam … And can’t wait to be back next year.”
Nishikori suffered a first-round exit in last year’s edition of the Melbourne Park Major.
The tournament begins on Jan 17.