The Erste Bank Open in Vienna is one of the two final ATP-500 tournaments of the season, along with the Swiss Indoors in Basel, which is played during the same week. 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem will play the final event of his career in Vienna. Alexander Zverev, whom Thiem beat in the final at Flushing Meadows four years ago, and Frances Tiafoe are some of the other players in the draw. However, four players have also withdrawn from the 2024 Erste Bank Open.
Four Players Withdraw From Erste Bank Open
Which Players Have Withdrawn?
Last year’s runner-up, Daniil Medvedev, was among those to withdraw from the Erste Bank Open. He participated in the Six Kings Slam exhibition event that took place from October 16th to 19th. The 2021 US Open champion did not give a specific reason for his decision, but not wanting to play again so quickly after the Six Kings Slam seems the most likely explanation.
Taylor Fritz was the other Top 10 player to withdraw from the Erste Bank Open. The American is in a great position to qualify for the year-end ATP Finals and might feel he can afford to take a week off. It has been a long season, and the 26-year-old could be resetting ahead of the Paris Masters, before his probable appearance at the ATP Finals.
Sebastian Korda was another American who could not play at the tournament in Vienna. This year’s Citi DC Open men’s singles champion announced earlier this month that he had undergone surgery for a right elbow injury he sustained at the US Open. Korda has not ended his season yet, but it is uncertain whether he will return in 2024.
Jordan Thompson was the final man to withdraw from the Erste Bank Open. The Australian last played at the Shanghai Masters. No reason has been given for his decision not to play in Vienna.
Who Replaces Those Players in the Draw?
Alex Michelsen benefits from Medvedev’s decision to withdraw from the Erste Bank Open. His last match was a tight battle against Olympic Gold Medalist Novak Djokovic in Shanghai. The 20-year-old’s powerful serve and flat shots could make him a tough matchup on an indoor hard court.
Fan favorite Gael Monfils takes Fritz’s place in the Erste Open draw. The Frenchman, who is 38 now, remains one of the sport’s most entertaining players. He won an indoor hard court title last year at the Stockholm Open.
Marcos Giron replaces his fellow American Korda at the final ATP-500 tournament of the season. Giron had a good tournament at the European Open in Antwerp, reaching the semifinal. That might give the 31-year-old some momentum.
The talented Fabian Marozsan is also in the draw after Thompson’s decision to withdraw. He began his indoor hard court season at the Almaty Open, losing in the opening round to Croatian Borna Coric.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
