Injuries to Keep Kyrgios, Nishioka From Playing River Oaks

HOUSTON – Injuries have forced Nick Kyrgios and Yoshihito Nishioka to withdraw from next month’s Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship which will be contested April 6-14 at River Oaks Country Club.

Kyrgios has a patella tendon issue that will prevent him from playing at River Oaks. “I am really disappointed to have to pull out of Houston this year,” Kyrgios said. “I loved playing the event last year and was looking forward to returning but unfortunately my knee has other ideas.

“I need to rest up, get treatment and make sure I can actually play on the European clay this year after I missed the whole swing in 2018. I know the Houston ATP 250 will be great again this year and I plan on returning in 2020.”

Nishioka has an ongoing back injury that has sidelined him for a few weeks. “I am really sorry to have to withdraw from Houston,” he said. “I hurt my back in Indian Wells and unfortunately it is not ready enough to compete in Houston this year. I look forward to playing there in 2020.” 

The spots in the draw will be take by former US Clay quarterfinalist Paolo Lorenzi and 20-year-old Casper Ruud, who’s father Christian won the 1996 River Oaks International. 

Limited tickets remain for select sessions of the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship at www.mensclaycourt.com. The tournament is once again utilizing the Ticket Turnback Program to allow patrons holding tickets they cannot use to release those for resale, with the proceeds being donated to The Pediatric Trauma