Nishikori withdraws from Shanghai Masters

Tokyo - World number five Kei Nishikori has pulled out of the Shanghai Masters due to an injury to his left gluteal muscle.

Nishikori suffered the injury during his second round match against Joao Sousa at the Japan Open on Wednesday and was forced to retire and withdraw from the tournament.

With the Japanese sensation still feeling stiffness in his left buttocks, he decided to skip the Shanghai Masters in order to focus on his recovery.

“I am so disappointed to have to pull out of the Shanghai Masters,” Nishikori said in a statement. “The doctor is recommending at least 10 days rest and heavy rehab. It’s disappointing for me to miss Shanghai as playing in Asia is a huge honour and pleasure for me.”

Nishikori, who has won one title this year at the Memphis Open in February, will return to his training base in Florida to undergo rehabilitation ahead of the ATP World Tour Finals in London next month.