Follow us on Google Discover Alex de Minaur continued his busy season this week at the Shanghai Masters, where he fell in the quarterfinals to Daniil Medvedev.
De Minaur should make the ATP Finals despite his loss to Medvedev, who went on to lose to eventual runner-up Arthur Rinderknech.
Rinderknech incidentally lost the Shanghai Masters final to his cousin Valentin Vacherot, but the calendar will now rapidly move on from the ATP Masters 1000 event.
The Almaty Open, European Open and Nordic Open are all taking place this week, with the ATP 250 events followed by ATP 500 events in Vienna and Basel.
Also returning this week is the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS), with the action in Hong Kong starting in two days.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty ImagesAlex de Minaur confirms withdrawal from tournament two days before it starts
De Minaur was scheduled to play at the tournament, but the Australian has now confirmed his withdrawal due to injury.
He said in a statement on his Instagram: “Hi guys, Alex de Minaur here. I’m extremely disappointed at having to withdraw from UTS here in Hong Kong.
“It’s an event that I was looking forward to playing in front of some amazing fans. I’ve always wanted to come here to Hong Kong, so I tried everything I could to play this tournament.
“We flew in, we tried to practice, I just have too much pain in my hip. So I’m wishing the rest of the competitors an incredible tournament.
“I’m sure the fans are really going to enjoy it. Wishing all the best to the beautiful city of Hong Kong, and this amazing tournament.”
Patrick Mouratoglou reacts after Alex de Minaur withdraws from UTS Hong Kong
Fans at the UTS Hong Kong will certainly miss the Australian, particularly given De Minaur won the 2024 UTS Grand Final.
The world number seven has been replaced by American Jenson Brooksby, who is currently ranked 57th on the ATP Tour.
Sharing his verdict on the update, UTS founder Patrick Mouratoglou said: “Whilst it’s unfortunate that Alex has been forced to withdraw from the event, we understand that injuries are an inevitable part of this physically and mentally demanding sport, particularly towards the end of a long season.
“We are delighted to welcome an excellent player like Jenson Brooksby to the field at such short notice. Together with the other seven top players, each with their unique styles and personalities, the matches over the next two days promise to be thrilling and exciting showdowns.”
De Minaur hasn’t been the only withdrawal at UTS Hong Kong, with Jakub Mensik, Nick Kyrgios and Tomas Machac taking the same decision.
They have been replaced by Richard Gasquet, Juncheng Shang and Adrian Mannarino, although Kyrgios will remain at the tournament to coach Gasquet.