Tomas Berdych out of US Open with appendicitis

Tomas Berdych has been forced to withdraw from the US Open after being diagnosed with appendicitis.

World number eight Berdych reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon and the quarter-finals of the Rogers Cup in July before pulling out of the Olympic Games in Rio due to concerns over the Zika virus.

The Czech returned to action at the Western and Southern Open but was beaten by Marin Cilic in the third round on Thursday.

He will return to Europe for further treatment on his illness and consequently will not feature at the competition in New York, which starts on August 29.

"I'm very disappointed to announce that I will not be able to compete at the US Open this year," Berdych posted on Twitter.

"I was just diagnosed with appendicitis in Cincinnati so I will be flying back to Europe for additional checks and treatment.

"I will need to take some time off to recover fully but I know that I will get back as strong as ever.

"I'm looking forward to playing again as soon as possible. I kindly thank you for your support."