USA's top-ranked man Taylor Fritz has withdrawn from the 2023 Paris Masters ahead of his second-round match due to an abdominal injury.
Fritz struggled with the injury during his first-round match against Sebastian Baez. He hurt himself midway through the second set and was given a painkiller by the doctor during an on-court physical check-up. He was able to finish the match, winning 6-1, 6-4.
After the match, Fritz spoke to the Tennis Channel desk and explained that the injury seemed to be a recurrence of what he felt at the Australian Open and Wimbledon during the season. He aggravated the same injury in Basel this past week, where he lost in the round of 16 stage.
"It aggravated after Australia this year, and after Wimbledon this year as well. I felt it last week, but it wasn't bad, and then when I went out to hit that defensive slice forehand, I felt like something new with it."
"I might have made it worse. I did well, like not snap as much on my serve, but I hit my spots on the last couple of games on serve and close out the match. But we'll see, get the tests done, and see after the next match."
Judging by the tone of his voice, Fritz was unable to give a conclusive comment about playing through the week and stated that he was going to undergo tests.
His withdrawal is an indication that the diagnosis might have prompted him to seek early treatment rather than risk playing through injury and making it worse.
Fritz's withdrawal from Paris will almost effectively end his bid to qualify for the ATP Finals. The American's expected non-qualification will come at a cost for his ATP ranking.
Fritz is likely to drop outside the world's Top 10 for the first time in over a year. Tommy Paul will have the chance to end the year as the top-ranked American man.
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