Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori became the latest withdrawal from the upcoming Cincinnati Open 2021. The 31-year-old, who reached the quarterfinals in the Tokyo Olympics, cited a shoulder injury as the reason for his withdrawal.

Ranked #55 in the world, Nishikori competed in the Citi Open and National Bank Open prior to this announcement. However, Serbian tennis player Laslo Djere will replace the Japanese star in the tournament.

Laslo Djere to replace Kei Nishikori in the Cincinnati Open 2021

Nishikori enjoyed reasonable success since the beginning of the hard court season this year. Competing in his home Olympics, the Japanese international stunned World No. 7 Andrey Rublev in the first round. He defeated the Russian in straight sets 6-3, 6-4.

Although he lost to World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals, he showed impressive signs of form in Tokyo. He carried that form to the Citi Open, reaching the semifinals of the tournament. However, he lost to eventual winner Mackenzie McDonald in a three-set thriller.

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He took up participation in the National Bank Open next, reaching the Round of 32 to face Hubert Hurkacz. However, a shoulder injury forced him to withdraw from the tournament yesterday.

The Japanese star said, “I am disappointed to announce that I have decided to withdraw from my match today. The right shoulder is very sore after a long stretch of tennis and I do not want to risk further injury. I now spend my focus on getting healthy back on court again.”

The injury also kept him out of the upcoming Cincinnati Open, and puts him in doubt for the US Open. 26-year-old Djere will replace him in the draw for the hard court tournament. The Serbian ranks #51 in the world.

WATCH: Novak Djokovic, Kei Nishikori and Others Gather to Wish Roger Federer on His 40th Birthday

Frances Tiafoe could feature in the Cincinnati Open 2021

With Djere replacing Nishikori, the door could open for World No. 52 Frances Tiafoe to enter the Cincinnati Open. This could open up a wildcard slot for the tournament, which saw a major reshuffle in participants over the past week.

Tiafoe shot to fame in the Tokyo Olympics, when he upset World No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round. With defending champion Novak Djokovic withdrawing from the event, a new winner will be crowned in the Cincinnati Open this year.

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