The second Grand Slam of the year is close to starting. French Open qualifying is taking place this week, with the main draw matches due to get underway on Sunday. Unsurprisingly, there is a very strong ATP entry list for the tournament. Defending champion Novak Djokovic, 14-time Roland-Garros winner Rafael Nadal, and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz are among the top players set to feature. However, three ATP players have decided to withdraw from the French Open. This article names those who have withdrawn and then lists their three replacements in the draw.
Three ATP Players Withdraw From French Open
Which Players Have Withdrawn?
Marin Cilic was the first ATP player to withdraw from the French Open. Unfortunately, the 2022 semifinalist at Roland Garros has struggled badly with injuries in recent years, meaning he has only played one Grand Slam match since the end of the 2022 US Open. Cilic recently underwent knee surgery, meaning he is likely to be sidelined for some time. Despite these setbacks, the Croat has said he is still motivated to return to the sport.
Jiri Lehecka was the second ATP player to withdraw from the French Open. The Czech had to retire from his Madrid Open semifinal a few weeks ago against Felix Auger-Aliassime due to a back injury. Lehecka had initially hoped playing in Paris would be possible if he rested. Sadly, that has not proved to be the case, and the world No. 24 will be missing from the tournament.
Facundo Diaz Acosta was the third ATP player to withdraw from the French Open. This year’s champion in Buenos Aires missed the Italian Open with an injury. He has still not recovered from that problem, meaning he had no choice but to not play in Paris.
Who Replaces Those Three Players In The Draw?
Luca Van Assche replaces Cilic at the French Open. In truth, the 20-year-old home favourite would probably have received a wildcard for the tournament anyway. But he is now in the tournament on merit. Van Assche reached the second round in Paris last year and will hope to go even further this year.
Maximilian Marterer benefits from Lehecka’s decision to withdraw from the French Open. Hopefully, Marterer will be able to play and take advantage of this opportunity. The German retired in the second set of his Challenger Tour match in Turin against Yannick Hanfmann over a week ago and has not competed since. No updates have been given since about Marterer’s physical state.
Finally, David Goffin is set to feature due to Diaz Acosta withdrawing. The 33-year-old is a former quarterfinalist at the French Open and has been a consistently solid performer at the event. He is no longer in his prime, but he hopes to find some inspiration at one of the biggest tournaments in the world.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
