Nishikori ends 2021 season early due to injury

Kei Nishikori has decided to shut down his season early as he continues to battle injury, with the Japanese star withdrawing from next week's Stockholm Open.

The former World No.4 had been struggling with back issues since September, which led to him competing in just one tournament, Indian Wells, where he lost in the second round.

"Unfortunately I have to pull out of Stockholm next week,” Nishikori said in a statement. “I hurt my back some weeks ago before San Diego and it has continued to bother me.

“It’s been a long year, coming back from injury and I look forward to the off-season. I also look forward to having a strong pre-season training to make sure 2022 is a great year.”

This is the second time in three years that the 31-year old has been forced to end his season earlier than planned due to injury. Two years ago, he underwent surgery on his elbow which resulted in him missing 12 months of competition.