De Minaur thrust into the Rotterdam spotlight

Next week’s Rotterdam ATP event suffered another box-office body blow on Wednesday with the withdrawal of Alexander Zverev two days after world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz pulled the plug,

The pair of elites withdrew due to injury and fatigue, dealing bad luck to the indoor event in Europe’s largest port city.

Zverev cited ankle problems, having been told my doctors not to pay until they are sorted.

The absences mean that sixth-ranked Australian Alex de Minaur takes the top spot when play begins on Monday at the Ahoy arena.

“I find it incredibly unfortunate that I have to make this decision,” the 28-year-old German said. “The tournament gave me a chance as a young player, 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.”

TD Richard Krajicek, who lost Alcaraz this week to exhaustion, will suck it up at his hobbled 500 series event.

“Given his history, we would naturally have liked to see Alexander back on court, but we also understand his decision here. Everyone still remembers the images and the impact of his previous ankle injury.”

De Minaur lost the Dutch final a year ago to Alcaraz while going down a year earlier in the title match to Jannik Sinner.

Others in the field include Felix Auger-Aliassime (8), Alexander Bublik (10), Daniil Medvedev (11), and Jack Draper (13), making a comeback after quitting the US Open five months ago with shoulder problems which have been slow to heal.