Former finalist Kei Nishikori to miss 2024 US Open event

Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori will be among the notable absences at this year's US Open, as he was not given a wildcard entry to the event.

The former World No.4 announced his arrival on Tour after defeating Grand Slam champions Stan Wawrinka and Novak Djokovic in consecutive matches to reach his maiden Grand Slam final at the 2014 US Open. Although he fell to Croatian Marin Cilic in the final, Nishikori left New York a fan-favorite and as one of the breakout stars of the tournament.

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The 34-year old has been dealing with injuries over the past few years, which have seen him sidelined and suffer a significant drop in ranking. After some sporadic appearances on ATP challenger events and a first-round exit at Wimbledon, Nishikori shocked fans by reaching the quarterfinals at the recently-concluded Canadian Open.

Nishikori looked rejuvenated during his appearance in Montreal, making quick work of eighth-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas en route to the final eight. Although he eventually fell to Italian Matteo Arnaldi, the Japanese star showcased some of his best tennis in the past few years.

Although Nishikori was denied a wildcard entry to Flushing Meadows despite being a former runner-up, the Shimane native, currently ranked at World No.222, has hinted he will compete at two ATP Challenger events in Italy during the US Open.