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Erste Bank Open: Vienna lover Kei Nishikori cancels start

Kei Nishikori will not take part in the Erste Bank Open in Vienna in 2021.

by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Oct 21, 2021, 06:25 pm

Kei Nishikori won't play in Vienna
© Getty Images
Kei Nishikori won't play in Vienna

Kei Nishikori and Vienna didn't really go together in the past few years: the Japanese had to cancel in 2019 due to an elbow injury in his right arm, and last year he withdrew shortly before the eagerly anticipated first-round encounter against Dominic Thiem due to shoulder problems - and also In 2021, Nishikori will not be in the Austrian capital.

The reason for the 31-year-old's cancellation is currently unclear, but he confirmed on Twitter that he would not attend the Erste Bank Open. In view of the strong field of participants, Nishikori should have played his way through the qualification, but he "saved" himself this way. The world number 49. will return to the tour at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Paris-Bercy, which will take place immediately after Vienna.

Most recently, Nishikori had struggled with lower back problems. Because of this, the Japanese waived the ATP 250 event in San Diego, in Indian Wells he then lost to Dan Evans in the second round.

Nishikori had reached the final in his first and only appearance in Vienna three years ago and afterwards praised the city and the tournament in the highest tones. So it cannot be ruled out that the former US Open finalist will return to the Erste Bank Open next year.

by Nikolaus Fink

Friday
Oct 22, 2021, 10:00 am
last edit: Oct 21, 2021, 06:25 pm