The 27-year-old reigning champion Daniil Medvedev withdrew from the tournament in Rotterdam due to fatigue and a right foot injury, the world number 3 from Russia announced.
Medvedev, who recently lost to Jannick Sinner in the Australian Open final after leading 2-0, spent a Grand Slam record 24 hours and 17 minutes on the Melbourne Park courts. The Russian beat Sinner for the trophy in Rotterdam last year.
"Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from the tournament in Rotterdam. After an incredibly difficult and long run in Australia, my body (especially my right foot) is still not recovered enough to defend my title. I love playing in Rotterdam, I have a long history with the tournament and look forward to returning there in 2025," the 2021 US Open champion wrote in a statement.
World No. 4 Sinner will be the number 1 seed in the Dutch city after Medvedev's withdrawal, with Andrey Rublev, Holger Rune and Hubert Hurkacz among the other top-ranked players taking part in the ATP 500 event, which runs from February 12-18. /BGNES
