Rafael Nadal has been handed a bye into the third round of the US Open after his opponent Thanasi Kokkinakis withdrew before the match.
The 33-year-old was scheduled to play Kokkinakis at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Thursday evening in a second round tie.
But the Australian, who was handed a wildcard into the tournament, pulled out citing a shoulder injury that would prevent him from taking part.
The 23-year-old, who has struggled badly with injury in recent years, beat Bulgarian qualifier Ilya Ivashka in his opening match this week and was seeking his first appearance in the US Open third round.
The news was confirmed by ATP just hours before the match was due to get underway, meaning Nadal will have two days of rest before his third round encounter on Saturday.
Nadal will now face the winner of Thursday's clash between fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, the 32nd seed, or South Korean Hyeon Chung.
