Daniil Medvedev has joined Rafael Nadal in giving next week’s ATP Doha event a miss, with the Australian Open runner-up blaming his fitness for the absence.
The world No. 3 lost the Melbourne final three weeks ago to Jannik Sinner while carrying a foot injury
.His withdrawal from this week’s Rotterdam event – Sinner heads that field – was apparently not enough time for the 28-year-old to feel match fit.
Nadal, who barely played in 2023 and quit the circuit again in early January in Brisbane due to his own long-term injury problems, also pulled out of the Middle East event.
Medvedev won the Doha title a year ago over Andy Murray.
“Unfortunately, I am not able to defend my title in Doha this year. I am still not 100 per cent ready to compete,” Medvedev said in a statement.
“I am very sorry for the tournament, the fans, and the sponsors of the event who have always treated me so well when I was in Doha.
“I love playing in Doha and look forward to coming back in the future.”
Main photo:- Daniil Medvedev lost to Jannik Sinner in 2024 Australian Open Final – by ISF Ltd