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Nishikori Withdraws, Djokovic Advances in Madrid


A wrist watch timed Kei Nishikori out of Madrid today.

The sixth-seeded Nishikori withdrew from today's scheduled Mutua Madrid Open quarterfinal against Novak Djokovic due to inflammation and pain in his right wrist.

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"I think it's still not hundred percent," said Nishikori, who was playing his first tournament since the  Miami Open in March. "I don't want to risk it too much today. You know, have next week and the French, too. I want to get back hundred percent. I want to fight again every match. I think today I won't be able to play hundred percent.

"So unfortunate to pull out. You know, it's been taking a long time, from Miami. So, you know, I don't want to go too hard on my wrist. Yeah, we'll see what's happen next week."

Nishikori's departure sends reigning champion Djokovic into his fifth Madrid semifinal.

The second-seeded Serbian will play either four-time champion Rafael Nadal or ninth-seeded David Goffin for a spot in Sunday's final.



Nishikori told the media in Madrid he pulled out, in part, as a precaution to try to ensure he is healthy for the start of Roland Garros on May 29th. The 2014 Madrid finalist says he hopes to play Rome next week, but is uncertain if his wrist will recover in time for Rome.

"(I) will take couple days off, for sure. I will plan to play Rome, but we'll see," Nishikori told the media. "I cannot promise to play or pull out right now. I feel a chance,you know. I just need couple days, I guess, to recover well.

"But, you know, French is more important. We'll see next couple days."

Asked if he's concerned his wrist injury could be a recurring issue like Juan Martin del Potro has experienced, Nishikori said he doesn't believe the injury is as severe as the 2009 US Open champion, who has undergone four wrist surgeries.

"I don't think I'm that bad, like Juan," Nishikori said. "But, you know, wrist, there is many risk to play, to push. If you push too much, you have a lot of chance to get injured. Can be a big problem.

"So that's why I chose to not play today. If it's a muscle pain, you know, you can push yourself. But there's many bones in wrist. I think there is still maybe little bit of inflammation, too. Yeah, you know, it's sad to see Juan is still hurting. But hope me and him can get better."

Photo credit: Christopher Levy

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