Pressure is intensifying on tennis officials to change their jam-packed schedules after Alexander Zverev joined Carlos Alcaraz in withdrawing from the Rotterdam Open. And Casper Ruud has pulled out of Norway’s Davis Cup tie against Great Britain to spend time with his fiancee and newborn baby.
Alcaraz and Zverev – the World No.1 and No.4 – were the top two seeds in Rotterdam for the hard-court tournament that kicks off on February 9. But both have now withdrawn after being unable to recover after gruelling Australian Open campaigns.
Casper Ruud (L) has withdrawn from Davis Cup, while Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev (R) have both withdrawn from Rotterdam. Image: Getty
Alcaraz won the Australian Open to claim his seventh grand slam title, while Zverev made the semi-finals before losing to Alcaraz. The World No.1 announced on Monday that he won’t be playing Rotterdam, and Zverev joined him on Wednesday.
“I find it incredibly unfortunate that I have to make this decision,” the German said in a statement. “I was given a chance as a young player (in Rotterdam), and that’s why I always enjoy returning. However, given my history with my ankle, I have to prioritise my recovery and can’t take any risks. I wish everyone in Rotterdam a wonderful week.”
Tournament officials said of Alcaraz earlier this week: “The Australian Open champion concluded that after his exertions over the past two weeks, he needs more time to return to action. We wish Carlos a swift recovery.”
Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz were the top two seeds in Rottrerdam.
(AFP via Getty Images)Fresh calls for change after top tennis stars withdraw
The withdrawals have raised fresh questions over the ATP and WTA schedules, after five top players also pulled out of the women’s 1000 event in Doha next week. Jessica Pegula, Naomi Osaka, Madison Keys, Iva Jovic and Marta Kostyuk have all withdrawn from the tournament, which starts just a week after the end of the Australian Open.
There’s been rumblings for the last few years that the players aren’t happy with how many tournaments are scheduled throughout the year, and how quickly they’re expected to back-up after grand slams. The fact five top players would withdraw from a WTA 1000 event (worth 1000 rankings points) should raise major alarm bells for officials, as holding a top event just a week after a grand slam is a bridge too far for many.
Casper Ruud out of Davis Cup tie to be with family
Meanwhile, the Davis Cup tie between Norway and Great Britain has been robbed of the star attraction after World No.13 Ruud withdrew at the last minute. Ruud became a father this week with fiancee Maria Galligani, and has opted not to play so he can spend as much time at home with his family as possible.
The qualifying tie begins on Thursday, just four days after the Australian Open men’s final. Ruud lost to Ben Shelton in the fourth round in Melbourne, which meant he got to fly home and be at the birth of his first child.