Former finalist Kei Nishikori has withdrawn from the US Open. It was already up in the air for Japan's number one after testing positive for COVID-19 twice in the leadup to the Open but has now tested negative.

The initial positive test forced Nishikori to withdraw from the Western and Southern Open which is taking place at Flushing Meadows.

Post From Nishikori

''After such a long break I feel that returning in a best of 5 long-match setting is not smart until I am fully ready to do so,'' Nishikori's post said. ''It's disappointing as I love the US Open and have great memories there. I will start on the clay. Thank you.''

Nishikori at the 2019 US Open (Photo: Tim Corbis)
Nishikori at the 2019 US Open (Photo: Tim Corbis)

Kuznetsov Into Main Draw

Andrey Kuznetsov of Russia now takes Nishikori's place in the main draw. The Russian turned pro in the 2010s and reached a career-high of 39 in the rankings in 2016. Kuznetsov took a hiatus from tennis and became the coach of Evgeny Donskoy last year.

He most recently played at the Prague Challenger, losing to Tallon Griekspoor.

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