Daniil Medvedev “not ready to compete” as he withdraws from ATP 500 event in Rotterdam in a shocking turn of events

The World No. 3 opts to not defend his title in Rotterdam giving up the 500 ranking points without playing.

Daniil Medvedev “not ready to compete” as he withdraws from ATP 500 event in Rotterdam in a shocking turn of events

Daniil Medvedev (Credits: The Sun)

World No. 3 Daniil Medvedev becomes the latest big name to withdraw from the upcoming 2024 Rotterdam Open. The Russian was to be the top seed in the singles discipline.

But in what looks like a well-thought decision, the former World No. 1 won’t be making the trip to Amsterdam. With the event set to be played from 12th to 19th February, his withdrawal has come nearly a week before. This just goes on to show the decision being given a good thought.

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Medvedev last played at the 2024 Australian Open where he finished runner-up. This was his third loss in the finals at the Major as his wait for his maiden Norman Brookes Challenger Cup continues. He was defeated by Italian wunderkind Jannik Sinner who won his maiden Grand Slam singles title after a thrilling final.

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The former US Open champ’s withdrawal was confirmed by his agent Olli van Lindonk. He disclosed that the World No. 3 does not find himself ready to compete once again. 

He is not ready to compete yet.
Medvedev’s agent Olli van Lindonk confirming his withdrawal from Rotterdam.

Given the nature of his loss in Melbourne Park, as he won the first two sets and still lost the finals, it seems fitting that he wants to rest more. But despite being the defending champion and still withdrawing, it feels like the lack of sleep and defeat in Australia is still stinging his heart.

Daniil Medvedev still has two titles to defend in February

While the Russian No. 1 has opted to let go of his 500 ranking points won in Rotterdam, he still has 750 points to defend in February.

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Daniil Medvedev during 2024 Australian Open Quarterfinal (Image via Imago)

Medvedev won three consecutive titles in February 2023 winning 14 matches on the trot. Following his win in Rotterdam, he won the ATP-250 event in Doha defeating Andy Murray in the finals. He followed it up by overpowering Andrey Rublev in the finals of the ATP-500 tournament in Dubai.

His winning streak came to an end in the 2023 Indian Wells Masters when he lost the finals to Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard won the finals in straight-sets to stop Medvedev’s 19-match winning streak and deny him the Masters-1000 title.

Medvedev’s withdrawal from the Rotterdam Open will mean Sinner can replace him at the World No. 3 spot in the rankings. The Italian was runner-up in last year’s event in Rotterdam and will likely be the top-seed for this year. With 750 more points to defend, fans can expect to see the Russian back in action in Doha.

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