As the relentless American hard court swing comes to an after a thrilling US Open fortnight, many ATP and WTA players have been left nursing their wounds.
A magnificent two weeks in New York came to a close on Sunday after Jannik Sinner secured his first US Open title, to bookend 2024 with major trophies.
Queen of the hardcourt Aryna Sabalenka similarly clinched her second Grand Slam of the year, going one better at Flushing after heartbreak 12 months ago.
The ongoing Davis Cup however sees several high-profile absentees, with an injury-hampered Alex de Minaur unable to compete for Australia as well as US Open semi-finalist Jack Draper rested for Great Britain.
However, with a run of hard court events in Asia fast-approaching, one top 10 player has already made the call to pull out.
Hubert Hurkacz announces withdrawal from the Chengdu Open through knee issue
Hubert Hurkacz returned to tennis action sooner than expected at the Montreal Open in August.
With Hurkacz previously ruled out until 2025, the world number eight managed to win his opener in New York before being defeated by Australia’s Jordan Thompson.
Seeded first at the Chengdu Open, the official tournament account released a statement about the Pole ahead of the event starting on September 17th.
The statement read: “World No.8 Hubert Hurkacz has been forced to withdraw from the 2024 Chengdu Open due to ongoing leg issues.
“We wish Hubi a speedy recovery and welcome Olympic bronze medallist Lorenzo Musetti as our new number one seed.”
Having sustained a knee injury after a misjudged dive volley at Wimbledon, the Pole underwent knee surgery and clearly has not fully recovered.
Who won the 2023 Chengdu Open and who is competing this year?
An ATP 250 event, the Chengdu Open has been part of the tour since 2016 where it replaced the Malaysian Open previously held in Kuala Lumpur.
Played on outdoor hard courts, last year’s champion was Alexander Zverev, who managed to beat Russia’s Roman Safiullin in three sets.
With Hurkacz out, Borna Coric has come into replace the Pole. Musetti becomes the top seed, with the Italian still searching for form on the hard courts after a successful summer.
The 2019 Chengdu Open finalist, Alexander Bublik returns to action in China, while Zverev doesn’t return to defend his points.
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