The Zhuhai Championships begin on Monday. Next week’s events in Zhuhai and Chengdu will be the first ATP events in China since 2019. Naturally, there is a lot of excitement building, particularly among Chinese tennis fans. The draw in Zhuhai is strong, with Karen Khachanov one of the players currently listed to appear. However, the tournament in Zhuhai has also seen many withdrawals. We at LWOT already reported on three such withdrawals, which included a former Grand Slam champion. There are four more players who will be absent from the Zhuhai Championships. This article lists the four withdrawals, followed by the four replacements who now enter the draw.
Four ATP Players Withdraw From Zhuhai Championships
Which Four Players Have Withdrawn?
Tallon Griekspoor is one of the players to withdraw from the Zhuhai Championships. The Dutchman has been in Davis Cup action this week. That included a controversial and dramatic win against Frances Tiafoe, which saw the American lose the match after being given a point penalty for smashing his racket. This year’s runner-up in Washington may feel that flying so soon to China after his efforts this week would be too physically demanding.
Another Dutchman has elected to remove himself from the draw. Botic van de Zandschulp will also miss the Zhuhai Championships. He has also produced some excellent tennis in the Davis Cup this week. This included a win against Tommy Paul, who was one of many Americans to impress at the US Open. But van de Zandschulp has struggled with some injuries this season. He was absent from tennis for over a month after Wimbledon for that reason. Not overplaying too quickly could be a smart move.
Former Cincinnati Masters champion Borna Coric is an additional withdrawal from the Zhuhai Championships. The Croat has had a mixed season to date. There have been no major standout results, but he is still at #26 in the world currently. Coric has not played since a first-round loss at the US Open to Sebastian Baez nearly three weeks ago. His reasons for withdrawing are currently unclear.
Alexander Shevchenko is another man to withdraw. The 22-year-old is immensely talented and plays an aggressive style that will be missed at the Zhuhai Championships. Shevchenko last played at a Challenger Tour event last week in Genoa. It is unknown if he sustained any injury concerns then or since. Nonetheless, the fans will not get to see his tennis in Zhuhai.
Who Replaces Those Four Players in the Draw?
Diego Schwartzman has entered the draw due to Griekspoor’s absence. It has been a difficult season so far for the experienced Argentinian. He lost in the first round of a Grand Slam for the first time in three years at this year’s US Open. In addition, Schwartzman is currently #134 in the world, his lowest ranking in ten years. The 31-year-old will hope this opportunity can lead to his past form being restored at the Zhuhai Championships.
Lloyd Harris comes into the draw for the Zhuhai Champions as a result of van de Zandschulp’s withdrawal. The South African is another man who has struggled this season by his standards. He has been ranked as high as #31 in the world. But currently, he sits at #159. It is clear he desperately needs a good run.
Coric’s decision to withdraw has given an opportunity to Rinky Hijikata. The Australian had an excellent run at the US Open. He progressed all the way to the fourth round, only being stopped by last year’s semifinalist Francis Tiafoe. That success means Hijikata is currently ranked #82, which is a career high. He now has a chance to build further momentum at the Zhuhai Championships.
Finally, Kimmer Coppejans will play at the Zhuhai Championships due to Shevchenko electing not to play. The world #184 last appeared in US Open qualifying, where he narrowly lost in the final round. Coppejans is another man who has previously been far higher in the rankings. The Belgian will seek to find some inspiration on the hard courts in China.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
