Kei Nishikori out of Japan Open with buttock injury

Kei Nishikori waves as he bids farewell to the crowd at the Ariake Colosseum in Tokyo following his retirement

Top seed and home favourite Kei Nishikori has been forced to give up his quest for a third Japan Open title because of injury.

He withdrew from his second-round match against Portugal's Joao Sousa on Wednesday after he sustained a buttock muscle injury while leading the first set 4-3.

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Nishikori, who won the event in 2012 and 2014, would have been one win behind Stefan Edberg's four had he prevailed in Sunday's final.

"It was hugely disappointing to have to retire from my match," the world No 5 said.

"It is possible that the injury was due to an accumulation of fatigue and stress, but I came into this tournament with a lot of rest and feeling very ready. I will get examined and hope to recover in time for my next tournament."

Nishikori's next scheduled appearance on the ATP Tour is at the Shanghai Masters starting on October 9.   

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