Kei Nishikori Japan will be ruled up to six months after undergoing an operation for a hip injury, the former world number four said on Tuesday.
The injury was forced 32-year-old players to withdraw from the Australian Open this month.
He last played at the ATP Masters 1000 event at Wells India, before ending his 2021 season in November due to a separate back injury.
“After trying a number of different rehabilitation options, I have decided, along with my medical team, to undergo an arthroscopic hip surgery this week,” Nishikori said in a post at his application.
“I will work as hard as I can, and the goal is to return in about six months.” Nishikori, who reached the fourth career rating shortly after being the first person from Asia to reach a big final in 2014 U.S.
Open, has been disturbed by injury in recent years and has struggled for consistency.