Swiss Indoor organisers Wednesday lost their main drawcard when Carlos Alcaraz was forced to withdraw with injury.
The Spaniard who also missed the start of the season in January due to physical problems and only kicked off 2023 in mid-February, will lose traction in his effort to try and regain the ATP No. 1 ranking from Novak Djokovic.
Swiss officials posted the news on social media, saying the absence of the Spaniard would allow two-time semi-finalist Stan Wawrinka into the field at the St Jakobshalle.
“The No. 2 is suffering from an inflammation on the sole of his left foot and problems in his gluteal muscles,” they said.
Alcaraz reached the semi-finals here a year ago on his debut, losing to eventual champion Felix Auger-Aliassime.
