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Kei Nishikori tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of US Open

"I am feeling well and have very little symptoms, but will obviously be in complete isolation for the safety of everyone"

Kei Nishikori of Japan leaves after losing to Hubert Hurkacz of Poland during the ATP Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship in the Gulf emirate of Dubai on February 27, 2019
Image: Kei Nishikori is going into self-isolation after contracting COVID-19

Japan's Kei Nishikori has tested positive for COVID-19 in Florida - just two weeks ahead of the US Open that begins in New York on August 31.

The 30-year-old former world No 4 has been staying at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, and pulled out of the upcoming Western & Southern Open, which is also being played at Flushing Meadows, before the Grand Slam.

Kei Nishikori of Japan celebrates victory in his Men's Singles second round match against Bradley Klahn of the United States on day three of the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 28, 2019 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.

In a statement on his official app, Nishikori said: "Hi everyone, I have some unfortunate news today. This morning while still in Florida, I got tested for Covid19 and tested positive. I will have to pull out of the Cincinnati tournament at this time.

"Me and my team will get tested again on Friday, at which point I will have another update. I am feeling well and have very little symptoms, but will obviously be in complete isolation for the safety of everyone.

"We were planning to fly to New York tomorrow, but will obviously now stay in Florida. Next update will be on Friday."

Nishikori, currently ranked 31 in the world, has not played a competitive match since undergoing elbow surgery in October last year, although the ongoing pandemic has meant he has missed less tennis than he might ordinarily have done.

Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates after winning against his compatriot Pablo Andujar (out of frame) during their Mexico ATP Open 500 men's singles tennis match in Acapulco, Guerrero State, Mexico on February 25, 2020.
Image: Rafael Nadal has already withdrawn from this year's US Open

A number of players have already withdrawn from this year's US Open over fears of contracting the coronavirus.

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Defending champion Rafael Nadal and women's world No 1 Ashleigh Barty are among those who refused to travel, while reigning women's champion Bianca Andreescu has also pulled out, saying the pandemic had compromised her ability to reach her highest level of form.

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