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

Kei Nishikori has pulled out of the Western and Southern Open but is still on the entry list for the US Open.

Kei Nishikori has tested positive for coronavirus. (Source: File)

Kei Nishikori, a former world number four, announced on Sunday that he has tested positive for Covid-19 saying that he has very “little symptoms”.

The 30-year-old has been staying at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, and pulled out of the upcoming Western & Southern Open, a warm-up tournament before the Grand Slam.

“This morning while still in Florida, I got tested for COVID-19 and tested positive,” Nishikori said in a statement. “I will have to pull out of the Cincinnati tournament at this time.

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“We were planning to fly to New York tomorrow but will obviously now stay in Florida.”

Kei Nishikori has coronavirus and withdrew from Cincinnati. pic.twitter.com/tdlTSBY1LO

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) August 16, 2020

The world number 31 added that he will provide another update on his health on August 21 and would go into self-isolation.

A number of players have withdrawn from this year’s U.S. Open over fears of contracting the coronavirus that has infected more than 5.3 million people in the United States and killed nearly 170,000, according to a Reuters tally.

Defending champion Rafa Nadal and women’s world number one Ash Barty are among those who refused to travel, while reigning women’s champion Bianca Andreescu pulled out, saying the pandemic had compromised her ability to reach her highest level of form.

(with Reuters inputs)