NEW YORK: Japanese professional tennis star Kei Nishikori said Sunday that he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Nishikori, 30, disclosed the test result on his official app.

He said he has only light symptoms and has placed himself under voluntary quarantine in Florida, where he trains. He plans to take a virus test again Friday.

Following the test result, Nishikori withdrew from the Western & Southern Open in New York from Saturday, which was slated to be his first tournament since he underwent surgery on his right elbow last October.

The US Open, one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, is set to start on Aug. 31 at the same venue.

The Association of Tennis Professionals’ tour will resume with the Western & Southern Open after being suspended from March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Nishikori had posted scenes from his practice sessions on his official app, showing signs of stable recovery from the surgery. In July, he released a message to fans calling on them to wear face masks and be healthy.

Some leading tennis stars including top-ranked Novak Djokovic tested positive for the virus after a charity tournament in Serbia hosted by Djokovic in June.

JIJI Press