Japan's Nishikori to miss Australian Open

TOKYO - Men's world number 13 tennis player Kei Nishikori will miss the 2020 Australian Open and the inaugural ATP Cup with an elbow injury.

The Japanese, who turned 30 on Sunday, said in a statement, "Unfortunately I have to pull out of the ATP Cup and the Aussie Open."

"Today, together with my team, we have made this decision as I am still not 100 percent ready to compete at the highest level."

"This decision was not taken lightly as Australia is one of my favourite places to compete. Together with my team I will keep working hard to be back on court as soon as possible. Thanks for all the support."

Nishikori, who reached the quarterfinals at last year's Australian Open, last played in the third round of the US Open before undergoing elbow surgery in October.