Nishikori is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines (Picture: Getty)

Kei Nishikori is set to miss the Australian Open at the start of 2018 as he recovers from a wrist injury that forced him to end his year early.

Johanna Konta splits with coach Thomas Hogstedt

The Japanese has not featured in competitive action since the Rogers Cup in Montreal and he called time on his 2017 early after tearing one of the tendons in his right wrist.

It was expected that Nishikori would return at the start of the year along with Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic – who are suffering from hip and elbow issues respectively – but his comeback looks set to be pencilled in after the first Grand Slam of the season in Melbourne.

Bottini (left) admitted Nishikori may miss the Australian Open (Picture: Getty)

Nishikori has suffered a wrist injury (Picture: Getty)

In an interview with Argentina’s Chancha 1 Radio, the world No. 14’s coach Dante Bottini said: ‘To compete we understand that it will be for after the Australian Open.




‘I hope it is before, but I think it will not come. After a month, maybe he can start to hit the ball.’

While there has no official comment from Nishikori himself on his comeback date, he recently outlined his plans to compete at the inaugural New York Open, which is replacing the Memphis Open and will take place from February 11 to February 18.

‘Playing in New York has always been exciting for me and to think I could win a fifth title during this ATP Tour week would be amazing,’ the 27-year-old said.

‘I’ll miss Memphis, but I’m going to love New York.’

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