Two tournaments start on Wednesday to kick off the Asian swing on the ATP Tour. One of these is the Chengdu Open, won by the French Open runner-up Alexander Zverev last year. Lorenzo Musetti and the 2014 US Open finalist Kei Nishikori are among the players in the draw. There were also eight withdrawals from the Chengdu Open. This article names the players who decided to withdraw and then lists their replacements in the draw.
Eight Players Withdraw From Chengdu Open
Which Players Have Withdrawn?
Hubert Hurkacz was the highest-ranked player to withdraw from the Chengdu Open. The Pole cannot play due to ongoing leg issues he first sustained at Wimbledon, retiring from his second-round match against Arthur Fils. He returned during the North American hardcourt season but retired once again in the second round of the US Open against Jordan Thompson.
Gael Monfils was another notable name to withdraw from the Chengdu Open. The 38-year-old has not played since losing an entertaining second-round contest at the US Open against the 2023 French Open runner-up Casper Ruud. Monfils did not give an official explanation for his decision not to play at the ATP 250 tournament.
Talented 19-year-old Jakub Mensik was the youngest of the eight players to withdraw from the Chengdu Open. He made headlines at the US Open by knocking out Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets before recovering from two sets down in the following round against Tristan Schoolkate. Mensik also did not provide an explanation for missing the tournament.
Jordan Thompson, Nuno Borges, Marcos Giron, Miomir Kecmanovic, and James Duckworth also withdrew.
Who Replaces Those Players in the Draw?
Borna Coric enters the Chengdu Open draw after Hurkacz’s withdrawal. The Croatian is best known for his shock run to the 2022 Western and Southern Open title. However, he has not been near that level this year, suffering many defeats, including a first-round French Open defeat to the 38-year-old stalwart Richard Gasquet.
Chun-Hsin Tseng replaces Monfils at the tournament in Southwestern China. Monfils was initially going to be replaced by Zachary Svakda, but the American decided to play at the Hangzhou Open instead. Tseng is a gritty competitor who will not make it easy for any opponent in Chengdu.
Mensik’s place at the Chengdu Open is taken by fellow 19-year-old Juncheng Shang. The Chinese player has made significant progress this year and reached a career-high ranking of No. 66 last week. His achievements in 2024 include third-round appearances at the Australian Open and US Open.
The other players to enter the draw were Christopher O’Connell, Taro Daniel, Adam Walton, Yannick Hanfmann, and Lukas Klein.
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
