The second Masters 1000 event of the season for ATP players comes at the Miami Open. There is an excellent entry list for the tournament, including Indian Wells finalists Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev. However, three players have withdrawn from the event. This article names those who have elected to withdraw and then lists their three replacements in the draw.
Three ATP Players Withdraw From The Miami Open
Which Players Have Withdrawn?
Novak Djokovic is the first player to withdraw from the Miami Open. He suffered a shock defeat to Luca Nardi in Indian Wells, where he was competing for the first time in five years. World No. 1 Djokovic said that he is balancing his private and professional schedule at this late stage of his career, leading to the Serbian’s decision not to play.
Aslan Karatsev is the second player to withdraw from the Miami Open. The Russian has been missing since the Brisbane International in the first week of the season due to a knee injury, which required surgery. It is not currently clear when Karatsev will be back to compete again on the ATP Tour.
Mackenzie McDonald is the final player to withdraw from the Miami Open. The last time the American competed was at the Australian Open. No official reason has been given for McDonald’s continued absence from professional tennis. Hopefully, he will return as soon as possible.
Who Replaces Those Three Players In The Draw?
Djokovic’s decision not to play at the Miami Open gives an opportunity to Soonwoo Kwon. The South Korean is currently using a protected ranking after taking a six month hiatus from the sport last year. He returned at the US Open but his form has been patchy ever since coming back from his hiatus.
Luciano Darderi replaces Karatsev at the Miami Open. He had a stunning run to his first ATP title on the clay courts of Cordoba last month. Darderi did not play in Indian Wells last week and the Italian is set to play his first match hard court match in Miami since the Australian Open qualifying stage.
Finally, Marton Fucsovics benefits from McDonald’s decision to withdraw from the tournament. The Hungarian also did not compete in Indian Wells. He has a game that is capable of troubling quality players, an example of this being when he shocked Sebastian Korda at last year’s US Open. Fucsovics will hope to recapture some of that form at the Miami Open.
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
