Kei Nishikori out of U.S. Open despite negative coronavirus test

Kei Nishikori, who fell to Marin Cilic in the 2014 US Open Final, dropped out of this year's edition of the tournament despite testing negative for the coronavirus following multiple positive tests.

According to the Associated Press (h/t ESPN), the 30-year-old took to his mobile app on Wednesday to confirm he wouldn't be ready to compete in the tournament that gets underway on Monday. 

"After such a long break I feel that returning in a best of 5 long-match setting is not smart until I am fully ready to do so," Nishikori said. "It's disappointing as I love the US Open and have great memories there. I will start on the clay. Thank you."

The tennis season moves to clay courts after the US Open in preparations for the French Open that begins on Sept. 27.

Last Friday, Nishikori confirmed he had tested positive for the coronavirus a second time but wasn't experiencing serious symptoms.

Six years ago, Nishikori enjoyed a breakout performance in the Big Apple when he shocked world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the semifinals en route to facing Cilic for the singles trophy. Nishikori lost 3-6, 3-6, 3-6.