The final ATP Masters 1000 tournament of the season takes place at the Paris Masters. Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and 2021 US Open champion Daniil Medvedev are among the top players in the draw. It will also be home hero Richard Gasquet’s final appearance at the tournament before he retires at next year’s French Open. However, three players have withdrawn from the Paris Masters, including one of the biggest legends in the sport’s history. This article names those who elected not to play and then lists their replacements in the draw.
Three Players Withdraw From Paris Masters
Which Players Have Withdrawn?
Novak Djokovic was the most high-profile player to withdraw from the Paris Masters. The Serbian chose not to defend his title after beating Grigor Dimitrov in last year’s final. He did not give any specific reason for the decision in his announcement about it. Instead, he simply apologized to those who were excited to watch him play. Djokovic is also not mathematically qualified for the ATP Finals, meaning not playing in the French capital puts his place at risk.
Sebastian Korda was the second player to withdraw from the Paris Masters. The American had surgery for an elbow injury earlier this month, which has prevented him from competing since his second-round loss at the US Open to Tomas Machac. It is uncertain when Korda will return to the court.
Felix Auger-Aliassime was the third player to withdraw from the Paris Masters. He could not recover from a back problem sustained at the Swiss Indoors in Basel in time. Auger-Aliassime has won all five of his ATP titles on indoor hardcourts, meaning the other players might be relieved not to have him in the draw.
Who Replaces Those Players in the Draw?
Alex Michelsen takes Djokovic’s place at the Paris Masters. The 20-year-old played the 24-time Grand Slam champion at the Shanghai Masters this month, losing a competitive match 6-7 6-7. Michelsen can trouble most players in the draw if he reproduces that level.
2021 Wimbledon runner-up Matteo Berrettini replaces Korda at the final Masters 1000 tournament of the season. It will be his first appearance since splitting with his coach, Francisco Roig. That surprised many fans since he won three titles this year under his guidance.
Auger-Aliassime’s place at the Paris Masters was taken by the lucky loser Roberto Carballes Baena. The Spaniard lost to Lorenzo Sonego during the qualifying, but he has an opportunity to play better in the main draw.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
