Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Erste Bank Open, citing shoulder issues. The World No. 5, who won the tournament in 2022 and reached last year’s final, will not be able to defend his title at the event which will take place from October 21-27.
The news comes as a disappointment to fans and organizers alike, as Medvedev has been in top form this season, winning the ATP Masters 1000 titles in Cincinnati and Shanghai, and reaching the finals of the US Open and the ATP Finals. However, the 24-year-old has been struggling with a shoulder injury in recent weeks, which has forced him to withdraw from several tournaments.
In a statement released by the ATP, Medvedev expressed his regret at not being able to compete in Vienna. “I am extremely disappointed to have to withdraw from the Erste Bank Open. I have been dealing with a shoulder issue for some time now and unfortunately, it has not improved enough for me to be able to play at my best. I want to thank the tournament organizers for their understanding and support, and I hope to be back on the court soon.”
The Erste Bank Open, an ATP 500 event, has been a happy hunting ground for Medvedev in recent years. He won the tournament in 2022, defeating Kei Nishikori in the final, and reached the final again last year, where he lost to Dominic Thiem. His withdrawal is a blow to the tournament, which was looking forward to having the Russian star back on its courts.
However, the tournament will still feature a strong field, with World No. 4 Alexander Zverev headlining the list of players. Zverev, who has already qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals, will be looking to add another title to his impressive season. He will be joined by the likes of Alex de Minaur, Grigor Dimitrov, and Tommy Paul, all of whom will be vying for a late push to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin.
In a bid to attract more fans to the event, the organizers have also announced that they will be offering a special newsletter form for fans to sign up for updates and exclusive content. This is a great opportunity for fans to stay connected with the tournament and get the latest news and updates on their favorite players.
With Medvedev’s withdrawal, the #NextGenATP Alex Michelsen will take his place in the main draw. The 20-year-old Australian has been making waves on the ATP Tour this year, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 69 and winning his first ATP Challenger title in Nur-Sultan. He will be looking to make the most of this opportunity and make a name for himself on the big stage.
The Erste Bank Open promises to be an exciting event, with top players battling it out for the title and a chance to qualify for the prestigious ATP Finals. While Medvedev’s absence is a disappointment, it opens up the field for other players to make their mark and potentially secure a spot in Turin. Fans can expect some thrilling matches and memorable moments at the tournament, and with the added bonus of the newsletter form, they can stay connected and be a part of the action.
