Former Wimbledon semi-finalist gives worrying injury update as he withdraws from ATP event in Argentina

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The Argentina Open has given fans plenty of reasons to be excited as the event reaches the semi-final stage.

When tennis heads to South America, fans turn up in their thousands to watch the stars of the ATP Tour battle it out on the clay.

This week’s Argentina Open has offered up several surprise results, and moments that will live long in the memory of those in attendance.

Home favorite Diego Schwartzman’s retirement on Court Guillermo Villas was something to behold, as fans watched ‘El Peque’ compete one final time.

Teenage sensation Joao Fonseca has also impressed, reaching the semi-finals with impressive comeback wins over Federico Coria and Mariano Navone.

The two Argentinian brothers also had a unique encounter as Francisco Cerundolo beat Juan Manuel Cerundolo to advance to the quarter-finals.

There is one player who may not leave Buenos Aires with the best of memories, however, having picked up an injury that could see him miss another big tournament in South America.

Lorenzo Musetti withdraws from Argentina Open quarter-finals with injury

2024 Wimbledon semi-finalist Lorenzo Musetti withdrew from the Argentina Open ahead of his quarter-final contest with Pedro Martinez, having picked up an injury during his previous match.

The Italian star shared an update with his fans on social media, outlining his next steps.

“Hi all,” he said on an Instagram story.

“Unfortunately, I have to share that I have withdrawn from the BA [Buenos Aires] tournament.

“Last night, during my match against [Corentin] Moutet in the second set, I felt some discomfort in my calf but I managed to finish the match.

“This morning, the pain was still there, and after some tests, I was diagnosed with a soleus injury.

“In the coming days, I will meet with my team to assess the situation and whether I will be able to play in Rio.

“Thank you.”

Musetti beat Corentin Moutet in the opening round of the Argentina Open, 6-2, 6-3, as he advanced to the last eight.

The world number 16’s quarter-final opponent, Pedro Martinez, will now face Argentina’s Cerundolo in the semis on Saturday, February 15.

Musetti will look to return for the Rio Open ATP 500 tournament in Brazil, which begins on February 17, where he is set to appear as the number two seed.

How much weaker is the Rio Open draw compared to the Qatar Open?

Next week, the very best in men’s tennis will either take the trip to Rio or Doha for the second set of ATP 500 events in 2025.

However, after Musetti’s recent announcement, and following the news of Holger Rune’s withdrawal from next week’s tournament in Brazil, it certainly looks as if one tournament is more ‘stacked’ than the other.

Jannik Sinner’s ban will see him miss the event in Doha, although five top-ten players are still set to appear in the Middle East.

Two-time champion Novak Djokovic will return to tennis at the tournament after suffering a hamstring tear in Australia.

However, in Rio, Alexander Zverev will be the only top-ten player appearing, and if Musetti’s injury causes him to pull out of the event, he will be the only top-20 player taking part in Brazil.

At first glance, the draws do seem uneven, although the average ranking of the top eight seeds in the two events tells the full story.

• Qatar Open – Average ranking of top eight seeds (9)
• Rio Open – Average ranking of top eight seeds (29)

It looks as though those taking the trip to Rio will be in with a much better chance of picking up some valuable points on the ATP Tour.

The Qatar and Rio Open are set to begin on Monday, February 17.