Fifth seed Kei Nishikori was “sad” and “disappointed” to withdraw from Wimbledon with a calf injury but believes he will be fit and ready for the US Open Series on the North American hard courts.

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Nishikori pulled out ahead of his second round against Colombian Santiago Giraldoy, after going through a gruelling five-setter with Italian Simone Bolelli two days earlier.

The Japanese had initially sustained the injury in Halle two weeks ago, where he was forced to retire during his semi-final with Andreas Seppi.

He said his calf felt better in the week leading up to Wimbledon but that he was unable to recover in time for his second round.

“I thought it was really going to be okay. But last match in fifth set I was hurting too much. I don’t know how I fought through, but somehow I won. I try this two days, and warmup today. But it was hurting, just walking and running, so I decide not to play today,” said a dejected Nishikori, whose best Wimbledon showing was making the fourth round last year.

The 25-year-old will do more tests to find out the extent of the injury but he suspects it is not serious. “I think little tear,” he said.

“It’s very disappointed, especially it’s Grand Slam. I thought I was playing well on grass. So very unfortunate to lose this chance. But I try to keep it up. Hopefully I can do well in the US series.

“I have one month before Washington. So I’m sure it’s going to be okay. I need to get another good preparation for US. I always play good in U.S. I like hard court. So I hope I can have good preparation again.

“I think the injury should be okay for next tournament.”

Giraldo has gained a walkover into the third round where he takes on either Alexander Zverev or Denis Kudla.