The final ATP Masters 1000 event begins on Monday in Paris, and there is much to be excited about. US Open champion Novak Djokovic is set to make his first appearance since the Davis Cup last month. In addition, many players are still in the race to qualify for the ATP Finals. Unsurprisingly, there is a very strong draw for the ATP Paris Masters. However, five players have elected to withdraw from the event. This article lists those who have withdrawn, and then also names their five replacements in the draw.
Five Players Withdraw From Paris Masters
Which Players Have Withdrawn?
Borna Coric is the first player to withdraw from the ATP Paris Masters. The Croatian has not competed since a first-round defeat at the US Open to Sebastian Baez. It is one of several tournaments that Coric has withdrawn from in recent weeks, with no official reason being provided for his continued absence. It seems likely that we will not see him in action again until 2024.
Dan Evans is the second player to withdraw from the ATP Paris Masters. This year’s Washington champion suffered a serious-looking calf injury during his first-round contest in Vienna against Frances Tiafoe. Hence, it is unsurprising that he will be absent in the French capital. It also means the Briton’s participation in the Davis Cup final is currently doubtful.
Denis Shapovalov has also withdrawn from the ATP Paris Masters. The Canadian’s last appearance was at Wimbledon in July. He sustained a knee injury and originally hoped to return in August for the North American hardcourt season. Unfortunately, the problem is more serious than originally thought. His involvement in the Davis Cup final also seems doubtful.
Pablo Carreno Busta is the fourth player to withdraw from the ATP Paris Masters. The 2022 Cincinnati Masters champion has not played an ATP Tour event since a loss to French tennis stalwart Richard Gasquet in February. This is due to a serious elbow injury. The Spaniard did return to the ATP Challenger Tour earlier this month, but does not feel ready to make a return to the level required for a Masters 1000 event.
Cameron Norrie is the final player to withdraw from the ATP Paris Masters. The Briton had treatment for a knee injury during his loss to Alexander Zverev in Vienna. By contrast to Evans, this is believed to be a precautionary move and Norrie is likely to be fit for the Davis Cup final.
Who Replaces Those Five Players in the Draw?
Alexei Popyrin benefits from Coric electing to withdraw from the ATP Paris Masters. He will hope to recapture the form that saw him win a second ATP title in Umag in July. The Australian’s results have been mixed since then, but he did also reach the quarterfinals in Cincinnati. Popyrin was drawn against Nicolas Jarry in the opening round.
Evans’ decision to withdraw from the ATP Paris Masters gives an opportunity to Stan Wawrinka. The three-time Grand Slam champion is enjoying his best season since 2019 and has successfully reinvented himself at the age of 38. The Swiss lost the Umag final to Popyrin and made third-round appearances at Wimbledon and the US Open. Wawrinka battles Matteo Arnaldi in the first round.
Arthur Fils enters the ATP Paris Masters main draw due to Shapovalov’s withdrawal. It is likely the Frenchman would have received a wildcard for his home tournament, but that is no longer necessary. It has been a breakthrough season for the 19-year-old. He won the title in Lyon in May and reached the final in Antwerp just over a week ago. Fils will play a qualifier in the opening round.
Miomir Kecmanovic is set to play at the ATP Paris Masters after Carreno Busta decided to withdraw. 2023 has been a mixed year for the Serbian, although he did have a run to the semifinal in Stockholm earlier this month. Tomas Martin Etcheverry is his opponent in the first round.
Finally, Norrie will be replaced at the ATP Paris Masters by a lucky loser from the qualifying draw.
Main Photo Credit: Scott Taetsch – USA TODAY Sports
