Kei Nishikori withdrew from the Estoril Open on Tuesday with an abductor injury, but does not think the issue is serious. The fourth seed was due to play Kevin Anderson in the second round of the clay court ATP 250 tournament after receiving a first round bye.
Lucky loser Roberto Carballes Baena has taken Nishikori’s place in the draw and will face the South African today.
“I am very disappointed to have to withdraw from Estoril. I came here early, took some days off and then had two very good days of practice,” Nishikori said in a statement.
“Yesterday, unfortunately, I stepped wrong and hurt my right abductor. We are doing checks and do not think it is serious, but unfortunately will not be ready to play a match in the next 48 hours.
Sadly, Kei Nishikori had to withdrew from the Estoril Open after injuring his right abductor in yesterday’s practice.
“I’m very disappointed. I came here early, had two great days of practice, but I stepped wrong and hurt my right abductor. I will not be ready to play in 48h”. pic.twitter.com/6l3dAtC3oW— Millennium #EstorilOpen (@EstorilOpen) April 27, 2021
“I wish Joao and the team a great tournament and hope to be able to come back here at some point in the future.”
World No. 41 Nishikori reached the last 16 at the Barcelona Open last week – losing to Rafael Nadal in three sets.
