Kei Nishikori to miss Australian Open due to ongoing elbow injury

The world No. 13 hasn't competed since the US Open.



Kei Nishikori to miss Australian Open due to ongoing elbow injury

Kei Nishikori's 2020 season is on hold as he has withdrawn from the ATP Cup and the Australian Open. Nishikori has been sidelined with an ongoing elbow injury since the US Open.

"We have made this decision as I am still not 100 percent ready, healthy to compete at this level," he said. "This decision was not taken lightly as Australia is one of my favorite places to compete."

The 30-year-old is a four-time Australian Open quarterfinalist, and currently ranked No. 13.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 30: Kei Nishikori of Japan reacts during his Men's Singles third round match Alex de Minaur of Australia on day five of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 30, 2019 in Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

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Nishikori's withdrawal follows that of Lucas Pouille and Andy Murray, who is still affected by a pelvic injury he picked up before Davis Cup.

The Australian Open was going to be Murray's Grand Slam return from a hip injury that almost led him to finish his career at the 2019 Australian Open. Following successful surgery, he returned to tour and won Antwerp before this new setback. 

"I was excited about coming back to Australia and giving my best, and that makes this even more disappointing for me," Murray said.

Murray is next scheduled to play the ATP event at Montpellier.