The world number nine Kei Nishikori has quit tennis for the rest of 2017 due to a recurring wrist injury.

27-year-old Nishikori, who withdrew from the Cincinnati Masters this week with the hopes of getting ready for the US Open, will no longer play tennis this year as scans on his right wrist revealed a torn tendon.

In an official statement, Nishikori’s manager said: “Two days ago during practice in Cincinnati, Kei hit a serve and heard a ‘pop’ in his wrist.”

“We went straight to the hospital to take an MRI. Yesterday, we went to see a very renowned wrist specialist who works with many of the MLB baseball pitchers.”

“We saw another specialist today to get a second opinion. On top of that we have sent MRI results to three other wrist specialists to ensure we get several independent opinions from specialists.”

“After consulting with all of them, it has become clear that Kei has a tear in one of the tendons in the right wrist.”

“At this stage we have elected not to do surgery and Kei is in a cast. After the swelling comes down in the next weeks, we will evaluate next steps. Kei will withdraw from all the 2017 tournaments and work hard to be ready for next year.”

The Japanese join Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka in quitting tennis for the rest of 2107, dashing his hopes of moving up the world ranking by the end of the season.