Former US Open men's singles runner-up announces withdrawal, with a flood of heartbroken fans offering comfort in the comments section.

In 2023, Japan pinned its US Open hopes on Kei Nishikori. He had compiled a 10-3 record that season, but once again, misfortune struck, and the 33-year-old veteran was forced to withdraw due to injury. Now nearly 36, Nishikori is ever more aware of time slipping by. The past few years have seen him constantly battling injuries, with his most recent tour victory all the way back at the 2019 Brisbane Open.

Despite currently ranked 88th in the world, this five-time Olympian and former world number four—who once came within a step of Grand Slam glory—still refuses to give up. Yet fate intervened again, forcing him to pull out of this year’s US Open, prompting an outpouring of well wishes from his fans.

Last Sunday, Nishikori personally confirmed the bad news many fans feared: another injury withdrawal from the US Open. He wrote on X, “Hello everyone, unfortunately I’m not ready to compete at the US Open yet. I had an MRI on my back, and my recovery isn’t 100%. I’m working hard to return to the court soon. Thank you all for your support.”

After missing both the French Open and Wimbledon due to injury, Nishikori finally made his comeback at the Cincinnati Open, only to be defeated in the first round by Argentina’s Carabelli. For a player once famed for his consistency, it was a harsh reminder of how years of physical setbacks have pushed him further from his prime.

Between 2018 and 2019, Nishikori was a regular fixture at Grand Slams, reaching the quarterfinals five times in a row, including one semifinal appearance at the US Open. However, his peak years were overshadowed by the dominance of the “Big Three” and his own persistent injuries.

In 2022, he underwent hip surgery, sidelining him for the entire season. Since then, he missed almost all of 2022 and 2023, leading fans to wonder if his story had reached its end. But at the end of 2024, Nishikori proved his resilience by winning a Challenger title, reigniting hopes of a comeback. That spark carried into the 2025 season, where he quickly made his presence felt on the tour.

He battled his way to the final in Hong Kong, pushing France’s Muller to three sets. Although he ultimately fell short, his fighting spirit was on full display. Still, maintaining this level remains a huge challenge; his ranking lingers outside the world’s top 80, far from his days as world number four and US Open finalist.

After posting his withdrawal statement on social media, Nishikori immediately received a wave of reactions. Fans flooded him with prayers and encouragement, lamenting yet another heartbreaking absence. For Nishikori, the fight continues; for his supporters, hope remains—that one day their warrior will return to Flushing Meadows and write a new chapter.

When Nishikori shared his withdrawal on social media, a wave of love swept across the internet. Fans filled his page with messages of hope and respect. One wrote: “Get well soon, Nishi! Hope to see you at the Australian Open next year ❤️.” Another passionately commented: “Take care, amazing KEI. Come back when you’re fully healed—we love you.” It was a chorus of encouragement, echoing the feelings of millions of fans.

This wasn’t his first disappointment of the season. In March, he was set to face fellow Japanese player Yoshihito Nishioka at the Miami Open, but was forced to withdraw just hours before the match. On X, he wrote with a heavy heart: “Sadly, I have to pull out of the Miami Open today. My body hasn’t fully recovered from last week’s match. I’ll head home and prepare for the clay season.” At 35, the challenges he faces are far tougher than any opponent at the net.

The comments from fans were more than just sympathetic; they brimmed with passion and support. One said: “Waiting for your return, Go Kei Go!!!!!” while another offered: “Can’t wait to see you back on court, take care.” This proves that despite constant injuries, Nishikori’s spirit continues to earn admiration worldwide.

After all, his career has been defined by resilience. From reaching the US Open final in 2014 to climbing to world number four in 2015, Nishikori fulfilled the dreams of Japanese tennis. However, repeated wrist injuries, long absences, and the devastating hip surgery in 2022 have repeatedly thwarted his comeback.

Even so, he refuses to fade away quietly. Despite the shadow of withdrawals, his fans remain steadfast. One heartfelt message read: “Wishing you a speedy recovery—I’ll always be cheering for you.”

As fans, we share this hope. For Nishikori, his journey is filled with both pain and glory. Though his body may be faltering, his champion’s heart never stops fighting. Wishing this Japanese veteran a swift recovery.(Source: Tennis Home Author: Spark)