The first ATP Masters 1000 event of 2024 is set to take place in Monte-Carlo. It promises to be an outstanding tournament, with world No. 1 Novak Djokovic and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz just two of the top players set to feature. However, three players have elected to withdraw from the Monte-Carlo Masters. This article lists those who have withdrawn and then names their three replacements in the draw.
Three Players Withdraw From The Monte-Carlo Masters
Rafael Nadal is the first player to withdraw from the Monte-Carlo Masters. The 20-time Grand Slam champion’s injury problems have been relentless. He was out for nearly all of 2023 with a hip injury. Nadal returned for one tournament in Brisbane at the start of this year but has not been able to play since then. The 14-time French Open champion will desperately hope he can recover in time for Roland-Garros.
Tommy Paul is the second player to withdraw from the event. The American suffered an ankle injury during the Miami Open, which forced him to retire. It is not currently known when Paul is likely to return, and the injury seemed somewhat serious when it initially happened in Miami.
Marin Cilic is the final player to withdraw from the Monte-Carlo Masters. The 2014 US Open winner is another player who has had repeated injury problems in recent years. Cilic made a comeback at the start of this season but has lost all four of his ATP matches so far this year. He has not played since an appearance in Buenos Aires nearly two months ago.
Who Replaces Those Three Players In The Draw?
Zhizhen Zhang benefits from Nadal’s decision to withdraw from the Monte-Carlo Masters. Zhang’s start to 2024 has been mixed, with his level fluctuating a lot. He will hope to string results together more consistently during the clay court season.
Marcos Giron is set to play at the Masters event because Paul is withdrawing. Ironically, Giron played Paul in the final of the Dallas Open in February, which Paul won in three sets. The American is a great competitor, and his positive attitude during his matches is always enjoyable.
Finally, Dominik Koepfer replaces Cilic at the Monte-Carlo Masters. He began his clay court season at the Estoril Open but lost in the first round to Pablo Llamas Ruiz. The German is dangerous at his best and could cause problems for the top players at the tournament.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
