It is set to be a great week at the ATP Qatar Open. Andrey Rublev, Karen Khachanov, and last year’s champion in Metz, Ugo Humbert, are the top three seeds at the tournament. However, three players have decided to withdraw from the event. This article names those who have withdrawn and then lists their three replacements in the draw.
Three Players Withdraw From ATP Qatar Open
Which Players Have Withdrawn?
Rafael Nadal is the first player to withdraw from the ATP Qatar Open. At the Brisbane International, Nadal sustained a hip injury that kept him out of the Australian Open. He had hoped to make a return in Qatar, but the 22-time Grand Slam champion will now aim to be fit in time for the Indian Wells Masters in March.
Daniil Medvedev is the second player to withdraw from the ATP Qatar Open. He has not played since losing an epic Australian Open final to Jannik Sinner. The 27-year-old is the defending champion at the tournament, but last year’s US Open runner-up, Medvedev, will not have a chance to replicate that achievement.
Borna Coric is the final player to withdraw from the event. The Croatian lost the final in Montpellier two weeks ago to Alexander Bublik and then fell to the same opponent a few days ago at the Rotterdam Open. There has been no specific reason for Coric’s decision, and it seems that he is just taking some time off before the US swing in March.
Who Replaces Those Three Players In The Draw?
Botic van de Zandschulp replaces Nadal at the ATP Qatar Open. The Dutchman’s last two defeats have been to Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open and Rotterdam Open. He will be relieved not to be facing Sinner again, but van de Zandschulp still has a tough opening-round match against Gael Monfils.
Roberto Bautista Agut benefits from Medvedev’s decision to withdraw from the ATP Qatar Open. The Spaniard has not been in great form lately, with his only win in his last six matches coming against French stalwart Richard Gasquet. Bautista Agut has an opportunity to improve that record against Marton Fucsovics in round one.
Finally, Pavel Kotov enters the ATP Qatar Open after Coric elected to withdraw. Last year’s runner-up at the Stockholm Open has not competed since a second-round loss at the Australian Open to Flavio Cobolli. His first match since then will be against Lorenzo Sonego in the first round.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
