Most of the tennis world’s focus is currently on the Olympics. However, the only combined ATP and WTA-500 event of the year begins on Monday at the Washington Open. Andrey Rublev and Ben Shelton are the two top men’s seeds at the event. Five players have also elected to withdraw from the Washington Open. This article reports on the players who are not playing and then names their replacements in the draw. We at LWOT also have an article about four WTA players who withdrew from the Washington Open.
Five ATP Players Withdraw From Washington Open
Which Players Have Withdrawn?
Grigor Dimitrov was the most high-profile player to withdraw from the Washington Open. The Bulgarian had to retire due to an injury in the first set of his Wimbledon fourth-round match against Daniil Medvedev. Dimitrov confirmed afterward he had an abductor tear in his left leg. He has not recovered from that issue in time to compete at the ATP-500 tournament.
Pedro Martinez was another player to withdraw from the Washington Open. The 27-year-old qualified for Spain’s Olympic tennis team. Therefore, he decided to take that opportunity instead of starting his North American hard court season early.
Taro Daniel also withdrew from the event. His reasoning is identical to Martinez’s. The Japanese player is in Paris, representing his country at the Olympics. In the doubles, he and Kei Nishikori were drawn against Dan Evans and Andy Murray, who will retire after the Olympics.
Contant Lestienne was the fourth player to withdraw from the Washington Open. He has not confirmed the reason for his decision not to play in the US capital. The Frenchman returned after being ruled out for two months with an injury in mid-May. It is unclear if another physical problem has ruled Lestienne out.
Maximilian Marterer was the final player to withdraw from the Washington Open. Like Martinez and Daniel, the German qualified for his country’s Olympic tennis team.
Who Replaces Those Players in the Draw?
Cristian Garin enters the Washington Open draw due to Dimitrov’s withdrawal. The Chilean has never been past the second round of the US Open, and the North American hard court season usually is not a successful time of the year for him. Garin is hoping to change that with a strong run in Washington.
Daniel Elahi Galan benefits from Martinez’s decision to withdraw from the tournament. He knocked out Stefanos Tsitispas at the US Open almost two years ago. The Colombian is inconsistent, but recapturing the level he showed against Tsitsipas is not impossible.
Adam Walton replaces Daniel at the Washington Open. The Australian has made good progress this season, including breaking into the Top 100 a few months ago. Hard courts are his best surface, meaning he will be hopeful of a strong run.
Harold Mayot is also set to feature. The 22-year-old came through qualifying to reach the round of 16 at the Atlanta Open a few days ago. He has improved this season and will be a tricky matchup for anyone in the draw.
Luca Van Assche is the final player to enter the Washington Open draw. He is one of the most promising young players on the ATP Tour and will hope for a significant breakthrough during the North American hard court season.
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
