There are two ATP tournaments taking place the week before the Wimbledon main draw begins. One of these is in Mallorca, while the other is in Eastbourne, which is a combined ATP and WTA event. There is an excellent men’s entry list, including Taylor Fritz and Alexander Bublik. However, three ATP players have elected to withdraw from the Eastbourne International. This article names those who have withdrawn and then lists their three replacements in the draw.
Three ATP Players Withdraw From Eastbourne International
Which Players Have Withdrawn?
Jack Draper was the first player to withdraw from the Eastbourne International. His decision is not a major surprise. The 22-year-old won his first title in Stuttgart, before backing it up with a run to the quarterfinal of the Queen’s Club Championships. Understandably, Draper feels he needs a rest, especially since many believe he has a chance of making a deep run at Wimbledon this year.
Arthur Fils was the second player to withdraw from the Eastbourne International. Since winning his first match on the ATP Tour in Montpellier last year against French tennis legend Richard Gasquet, the 20-year-old has wowed fans with his electrifying brand of tennis. He most recently reached the quarterfinal in Halle, losing to the French Open runner-up Alexander Zverev. No official reason has been given for Fils’ decision. It seems likely he is also resting for Wimbledon.
Jiri Lehecka was the final player to withdraw from the Eastbourne International. Unfortunately, the Czech will also miss Wimbledon and the Olympics as well. This is due to a back injury that he sustained during his Madrid Open semifinal with Felix Auger-Aliassime over a month ago. It is not currently clear when he is likely to return to the court.
Who Replaces Those Three Players In The Draw?
Thiago Seyboth Wild benefits from Draper’s decision to withdraw from the Eastbourne International. The Brazilian usually plays his best tennis on clay. However, his powerful game is capable of being dangerous on any surface when he finds his range.
Arthur Rinderknech replaces Fils at the Eastbourne International. His two losses so far during the grass-court season were against Jan-Lennard Struff in the Round of 16 in Stuttgart and to Rinky Hijikata in the Queen’s Club Championships qualifying. The Frenchman now has one final chance of a good run before Wimbledon begins.
Finally, Miomir Kecmanovic will feature in Eastbourne instead of Lehecka. He is yet to win a match on grass this year, although both his losses against Tallon Griekspoor and Lorenzo Sonego in ‘s-Hertogenbosch and Stuttgart were very tight matches.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
