Kei Nishikori of Japan said Sunday that he tested positive for COVID-19 while in Florida, just two weeks before the US Open, which begins in New York on August 31.
The former 30-year-old world No. 4 stayed at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, and withdrew from the upcoming Western-Southern Open, a preparation tournament for many before the Grand Slam.
“This morning, while I was still in Florida, I did the COVID-19 test and tested positive,” Nishikori said in a statement. “I’m going to have to withdraw from the Cincinnati tournament at that time.
“We had planned to fly to New York tomorrow, but we’re obviously going to Florida.”
Nishikori added that he had “very few symptoms” and would isolate himself.
Several players withdrew from this year’s U.S. Open for fear of contracting the coronavirus that ignited more than 5.3 million people in the United States and killed about 170,000, according to a Reuters count.
Defending champion Rafa Nadal and women’s world number one Ash Barty were among those who refused to travel, while protective champion Bianca Andreescu withdrew, saying the pandemic had compromised her ability to succeed in her physical condition.
(Reuters)
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