Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev, the defending champion, has withdrawn from the Rotterdam Open citing fatigue and a right foot injury. The world number three, who recently lost to Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open final, spent a Grand Slam record-breaking 24 hours and 17 minutes on court at Melbourne Park.
In a statement on Monday, Medvedev expressed his regret, saying, “Unfortunately, I have to pull out of Rotterdam. After an incredibly tough and long run in Australia, my body, especially my right foot, is not recovered enough yet to come and defend my title. I love playing in Rotterdam, have a long history with the event, and look forward to coming back in 2025.”
Medvedev’s absence means that world number four Jannik Sinner will now be the top seed at the ATP 500 event, with other top-ranked players like Andrey Rublev, Holger Rune, and Hubert Hurkacz participating. The tournament is scheduled to take place from February 12 to 18.
This withdrawal comes after Medvedev’s challenging stint in the Australian Open final and underscores the physical toll top-level tennis can take on players. Fans will have to wait until 2025 to see Medvedev back in action at the Rotterdam Open.