Sebastian Korda Withdraws From 2025 Rotterdam Open
News
The 2025 Rotterdam Open entry list suffered another blow after Sebastian Korda withdrew from the ATP 500 tournament.
Korda started the season promisingly at two Australian tournaments. He reached the final of the 2025 Adelaide International but finished as the runner-up to Felix Auger-Aliassime.
The American then lost a thrilling battle second-round battle to Aleksandar Vukic at the 2025 Australian Open 7-5 in the fifth set. That match featured much powerful hitting from both men.
That start to the 2025 season was particularly impressive because Korda missed the final few months of 2024 with a severe elbow injury that might have taken longer to heal than expected.
It is uncertain at this stage whether a recurrence of that injury is the reason for Korda's withdrawal from the Rotterdam Open. But his withdrawal from next week's tournament is official, meaning fans have lost another significant figure from the event.
Jannik Sinner's decision to withdraw from the Rotterdam Open was the tournament's most disappointing blow. Having the world's No. 1 present would have boosted ticket sales.
Although the move was a shame, the event organizers in Rotterdam were probably not surprised. Sinner won the Australian Open after overcoming an illness during his run in Melbourne and undoubtedly felt like a more extended break was necessary.
The Italian decided not to defend the title he won last year at the tournament. It was one of several trophies he won during an incredible 2024, where his achievements throughout the season eclipsed all other players.
Jack Draper also withdrew from the Rotterdam Open. After winning three grueling Australian Open matches in a deciding fifth set, the Briton suffered a hip injury during his fourth-round loss to Carlos Alcaraz.
It is uncertain when Draper will return to the court. The 22-year-old signed up for the Dubai Championships, which occurs in a few weeks, but whether he will be fit for it depends on how quickly his injury heals.
Grigor Dimitrov also withdrew from the Rotterdam Open. The Bulgarian retired from his opening-round match at the Australian Open with hip and groin problems, and he has not recovered in time to compete next week.
Despite those disappointing setbacks, the tournament at least got some good news when Stefanos Tsitsipas accepted a late wild card for the event. Tsitsipas, a former runner-up in Rotterdam, first appeared at the event as a teenager several years ago.
That news softens the blow of losing Korda somewhat. Hopefully, last year's Citi Open winner has not suffered another injury after what he went through with his elbow injury, which derailed a significant portion of his 2024 season.
Korda is one of the most talented players on the ATP Tour. It feels like a big breakthrough at a Grand Slam will eventually arrive for him, but that could be delayed if he does have to recover from another injury.
Despite the withdrawals mentioned in this article, several great players are still in the Rotterdam Open draw. That includes Carlos Alcaraz, who will be the No. 1 seed if he does not join those who pulled out.
