Defending champion Daniil Medvedev has decided to pull out of the upcoming Rotterdam Open, citing fatigue and a right foot injury as reasons for his withdrawal. The Russian world No. 3, who endured a grueling run at the Australian Open last month, expressed regret over being unable to defend his title at the ATP 500 event.

Medvedev’s decision comes after an intense battle in the Australian Open final against Italian Jannik Sinner, where he lost in a five-set thriller, 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 6-3. The Russian spent a Grand Slam record-breaking 24 hours and 17 minutes on court during his campaign at Melbourne Park.

In a statement released on Monday, the 27-year-old US Open champion explained, “After an incredibly tough and long run in Australia, my body (and especially my right foot) is not recovered enough yet to play and come defend my title.” Medvedev expressed his disappointment at not being able to participate in Rotterdam but conveyed his anticipation of returning to the tournament in 2025, emphasizing his affection for the event and its significance in his career.

Having emerged victorious over Sinner in the Rotterdam final last year, Medvedev’s absence leaves the field open for a new champion. World No. 4 Jannik Sinner will now assume the top seed position at the hard-court tournament. Other top-ranked players, including Andrey Rublev, Holger Rune, and Hubert Hurkacz, are set to compete in the ATP 500 event.

Medvedev’s withdrawal adds a layer of unpredictability to the tournament, as the remaining contenders aim to seize the opportunity and make their mark in the absence of the defending champion. The Russian’s decision to prioritize recovery underscores the physical toll of professional tennis and the challenges players face in maintaining peak performance throughout the season.

As the Rotterdam Open unfolds without Medvedev’s presence, fans and competitors alike will be eager to witness who emerges as the successor to the defending champion, adding an element of suspense to the prestigious ATP 500 event.

Daniil Medvedev in 2024

At the moment ranked no.3, the Russian played his last contest on the 28^th of January when he surrendered to world no.4 Jannik Sinner 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 6-3 in the final of the Australian Open (draw).

Until now, during this year the Russian has achieved a composed 6-1 match record. Daniil Medvedev’s latest run at the Australian Open was the best achievement of his season.