Kei Nishikori returns second positive Covid-19 test with US Open looming

Kei Nishikori's chances of competing at the US Open were subject to further doubt after he returned a second positive test for Covid-19.

The men's world no31 revealed an initial positive test last week, leading to his withdrawal from the Western and Southern Open - a US Open warm-up event that this year has been switched from Ohio to New York in order to provide a safer environment for players ahead of the Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows.

Nishikori said he was feeling well with few symptoms as he entered a period of self-isolation in Florida, where he is based.

Providing a further update on Friday night, the Japanese no1 confirmed that a second test had also come up positive just 10 days before the US Open is due to begin on August 31.

He plans to take a third test during the early stages of next week.

Nishikori - who has 12 ATP titles to his name and a career-high ranking of no3 - reached his only Grand Slam final at the US Open in 2014, losing to Marin Cilic in straight sets after beating Novak Djokovic in the last four.

"Just a little update, I just took another Covid test and am still positive," Nishikori wrote on his mobile app on Friday night.

"I have very minimal symptoms and am staying in full isolation in Florida.

"The next test will be early next week at which time we will update you with more information."

Several top stars will be missing from the US Open this year due to fears over the ongoing Covid-19 crisis and the lack of preparation time afforded by it.

Both defending singles champions - Rafael Nadal and Bianca Andreescu - have withdrawn, along with women's no1 Ashleigh Barty.

Simona Halep and Elina Svitolina will also not compete, along with the likes of Kiki Bertens and Belinda Bencic, leaving the women's draw without six of the top-eight ranked players in the world.

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