TENNIS STAR Kei Nishikori has contracted Covid-19 and is a US Open doubt.
The Japanese ace revealed on his official website today he has tested positive for the killer bug.
The 30-year-old has cancelled his flight to New York and plans to self-isolate before being retested on Friday.
He has withdrawn from the warm-up event at Flushing Meadows, the rearranged Cincinnati Masters, and faces a race-against-time to be ready for the US Open on Monday August 31.
The world No.31 – a 2014 US Open finalist – has not played for 12 months following a right arm and elbow injury.
Though it is unlikely he will be allowed into the tournament bubble, if he is permitted to play this positive test represents huge damage to his Grand Slam preparations.
Nishikori said: “I have some unfortunate news. This morning while still in Florida, I got tested for Covid-19 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’m 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 (on Monday) but will obviously now stay in Florida. Next update will be on Friday.”
Reigning Wimbledon champion Simona Halep beat Elise Mertens 6-2 7-5 to win the Prague Open.
And then the Romanian revealed she would make a decision on playing the US Open tomorrow.
She may decide to follow the lead of Ash Barty and Rafa Nadal who have refused to travel to the second Slam of the year over health concerns.
