The 2024 French Open is set to bring 15 days of superb tennis for fans to enjoy. Defending champion Novak Djokovic and the 2022 winner Rafael Nadal are among the many top players at the event. Unfortunately, some other entertaining stars are not playing in Paris this year. We at LWOT already reported on three ATP players that withdrew from the French Open. This article reports on two more players to withdraw and then names their replacements in the draw.
Two More ATP Players Withdraw From French Open
Which Players Have Withdrawn?
Matteo Berrettini was the first player to withdraw from the French Open. The Italian has not played since the middle of April due to an injury. He had also been out from the end of last year’s US Open until March with an ankle injury. Berrettini stated that he and his team decided that he is not quite ready for playing five-set matches. However, he is confident about being fit for the upcoming grass-court season.
Jakub Mensik was the other player to withdraw from the French Open. This is a real shame, with the 18-year-old making huge improvements this year. The most notable example of that was his run to the final in Doha in February. Mensik had been due to play Casper Ruud, which was set to be one of the best men’s first round matches. No official reason has been given for the Czech’s decision not to play.
Who Replaces Those Two Players In The Draw?
Jozef Kovalik enters the French Open main draw after Berrettini’s decision to withdraw. The Slovakian is a lucky loser, having lost in the final round of qualifying against Roman Andres Burruchaga. He exited in the first round in his previous three appearances in Paris but he now has a chance to change that record.
JJ Wolf benefits from Mensik not playing at the French Open. He also comes into the main draw as a lucky loser. Unfortunately for the American, he will need to produce the match of his life to have a chance of progressing. This is because his opponent in the first round is Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
