"The Aussie Open is my favourite Slam...it's my "home" Slam...it's the Slam that takes incredible care of the players and their teams....and it hurts that I will have to miss it this year"
Thursday 4 January 2018 11:19, UK
Kei Nishikori has pulled out of the Australian Open to continue his rehabilitation on a long-term injury.
The world No 22 suffered a wrist problem in August and is yet to play since.
Nishikori was set to return for the first Grand Slam of the year, however, his agent confirmed on Wednesday the 2014 US Open runner-up is not yet ready to play five-set matches.
Posting on his app, the three-time Melbourne quarter-finalist said: "I am very sorry to announce that I will miss the Aussie Open this year."
"The Aussie Open is my favourite Slam...it's my "home" Slam...it's the Slam that takes incredible care of the players and their teams....and it hurts that I will have to miss it this year.
"My rehab is going well but I am just not ready 100 per cent to come back yet in best of five set matches."
Nishikori missed the US Open last year because of his wrist, ending his streak of 21 consecutive Grand Slam tournaments.
British No 1 Andy Murray is already a doubt for the Australian Open which begins on January 15, however, Nishikori is the first man to confirm his withdrawal from this year's tournament.
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