The final edition of the ATP Atlanta Open begins on Monday. Sadly, the tournament will be removed from the ATP calendar after this year. US Open semifinalist Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe are among the players set to compete at the event. However, two players have elected to withdraw from the Atlanta Open. This article lists those who have withdrawn and then names their two replacements in the draw.
Two Players Withdraw From Atlanta Open
Which Players Have Withdrawn?
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard was the first player to withdraw from the Atlanta Open. The huge-serving Frenchman generated attention with his recent performance at Wimbledon. As a lucky loser, the 21-year-old progressed all the way to the fourth round at SW19. His run included a five-set triumph against Sebastian Korda in the opening round before eventually falling to Lorenzo Musetti. No official reason for Mpetshi Perricard’s decision not to play in Atlanta has been given. He is not on the French team for the upcoming Olympics, meaning that can be ruled out as a potential reason.
James Duckworth was the second player to withdraw from the Atlanta Open. His last tournament was also at Wimbledon. After coming through qualifying, he pushed his compatriot Alex de Minaur very hard in three close sets but ultimately lost all three on tiebreaks. Like Mpetshi Perricard, no explanation has been offered for Duckworth’s decision, and he is also not on the entry list for the Olympics.
Who Replaces Those Two Players In The Draw?
Max Purcell benefits from Mpetshi Perricard’s withdrawal from the Atlanta Open. His best result this season was reaching the final on the grass courts of Eastbourne before Wimbledon, finishing as runner-up to Taylor Fritz. He pushed Carlos Alcaraz to three sets in Cincinnati last year, showing how dangerous he can be in North American conditions.
Arthur Cazaux is also set to play at the Atlanta Open. The Frenchman’s last victory was a thrilling five-set triumph against Zizou Bergs at Wimbledon. He appeared in the fourth round of the Australian Open at the start of the year and is dangerous when he finds his range.
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac – USA TODAY Sports
