JANNIK SINNER UNABLE TO DEFEND TITLE

The winner of the 51st ABN AMRO Open, Jannik Sinner, will not defend his title during the tournament that starts next Saturday. The Australian Open Champion came to the conclusion that he will not have recovered sufficiently after his efforts Down Under to have another chance to win the title in Rotterdam.

Jannik Sinner came to that conclusion after the final in Melbourne. "After consulting with my team we had to take the difficult decision to withdraw from the ABN AMRO Open. My body needs time to rest after the long run in Australia. I have great memories from winning the title in front of amazing crowds at Rotterdam Ahoy last year and hope to be back there soon. I wish Richard and the whole team a great event.”

Tournament director Richard Krajicek: "The Australian Open has been long and tough for Jannik. It is a great shame for both him and us that his efforts are preventing him from participating in Rotterdam."

Grigor Dimitrov, who had to withdraw due to injury in both Brisbane and the Australian Open, is also withdrawing from the ABN AMRO Open.

Carlos Alcaraz top seed

With the withdrawal of Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz becomes the new top seed of the ABN AMRO Open. The 21-year-old four-time Grand Slam winner will face amongst others Daniil Medvedev, Alex de Minaur and Andrey Rublev. Former champions Felix Auger-Aliassime and Stan Wawrinka are also entered.

Richard Krajicek: "An important reason to set up a broad line up with many top players is the fact that you can be confronted with a withdrawal. We are convinced that we will experience a great week of tennis with the players that will be present.”

Sinner and Dimitrov's spots are taken by Jakub Mensik and Roberto Bautista Agut, the first and second reserves on the entry list.