Nishikori joins the missing in action at USO

Japan’s Kei Nishikori will miss his eighth consecutive Grand Slam after withdrawing with injury on Sunday from the US Open.

The 34-year-old who reached the final at Flushing Meadows nine years ago has not played at a major since reaching the third round here in 2021.

Florida-based Nishikori has suffered long-term with abdominal, foot and knee problems which all but called a halt to the career of the one-time ATP No. 4.

The veteran attempted a return to the courts last month at the ATP level in Atlanta after becoming the first unranked player to win a lower-level Challenger title in Palmas del Mar in Puerto Rico in June.

He underwent arthroscopic surgery more than 18 months ago on his hip and suffered with a foot problem at the start of this season.

Nishikori was replaced in the Open draw by Australian James Duckworth, a qualifying lucky loser.