Door Slams shut as Kei’s struck down
Former world No.4 Kei Nishikori looks set to miss the US Open after a second positive test for coronavirus.
The Japanese star announced he had Covid19 earlier this week, forcing him to pull out of the Western and Southern Open in New York. Now a second test has shown he still has the virus.
With the Grand Slam – the first since the sport shut down – starting a week tomorrow and two negative tests required to enter the bubble, the 30-year- old is running out of time to make it.
Nishikori, who will stay in quarantine, took to his official app and wrote: “Just a little update, I took another Covid test and am still positive.
“I have very minimal symptoms and am staying in full isolation.
“Next test will be early next week, at which time we will update you with more information.
“Thanks for all the messages and have a good weekend.”
Nishikori, who has been staying at the IMG Academy in Florida, has
enjoyed his greatest Grand Slam success at the US Open.
The world No.31 made the semi-finals in 2016 and 2018 in addition to his loss to Marin Cilic in the 2014 title-decider.
A host of players will be missing from the tournament as they have decided not to travel due to the coronavirus risk.
Defend ing men’s champion Rafa Nadal and reigning women’s champ Bianca Andreescu top the withdrawals.
Ashleigh Barty and Simona Halep, the top two in the women’s world rankings, have opted to skip the event, so too Aussie Nick Kyrgios.
The Western and Southern Open, which started yesterday, is being played at the same Flushing Meadows site, which has been turned into a bio-secure bubble.
Kyle Edmund endured a frustrating day as the British No. 2 lost his marathon first- round clash 6-7 (3) 6- 4 3- 6 to South African Kevin Anderson in two minutes shy of three hours.