The 2025 Rotterdam Open is shaping up to be a weakened field, as yet another top player has withdrawn from the ATP 500 tournament. Sebastian Korda has officially pulled out, adding to a growing list of stars who will miss the event.
Korda’s Withdrawal Raises Fresh Injury Concerns
Korda’s start to the 2025 season was promising despite his limited play in late 2024 due to an elbow injury.
- He reached the final of the Adelaide International, falling short against Felix Auger-Aliassime.
- He then battled through a grueling five-set loss to Aleksandar Vukic in the second round of the Australian Open.
Given his strong early form, Korda’s withdrawal is a concern—raising the possibility of a lingering or recurring injury. While no official reason has been given yet, his absence is a significant loss for Rotterdam.
Jannik Sinner’s Exit Was the Biggest Blow
Despite Korda’s absence, the most significant withdrawal was world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
The Australian Open champion pulled out to take an extended break, understandable given his Melbourne title run while battling illness.
Sinner’s absence is a major hit for tournament organizers, as having the world No. 1 in the field would have driven ticket sales and viewership.
The Italian chose not to defend his 2024 Rotterdam title, a move that surprised few given his demanding schedule and physical toll from his Australian Open run.
Draper and Dimitrov Also Sidelined
The withdrawals didn’t stop there.
- Jack Draper, who survived three five-set battles in Melbourne, suffered a hip injury in his fourth-round loss to Carlos Alcaraz. His return remains uncertain, though he is still entered for the Dubai Championships.
- Grigor Dimitrov, who retired from his Australian Open first-round match due to hip and groin issues, has also pulled out. His recovery timeline remains unknown.
Rotterdam Gets a Boost: Stefanos Tsitsipas Accepts Wild Card
With so many top players dropping out, the Rotterdam Open finally received some good news—Stefanos Tsitsipas has accepted a late wild card.
- Tsitsipas is a former finalist in Rotterdam, having first played in the tournament as a teenager.
- His presence adds much-needed star power to the event, partially softening the loss of players like Sinner and Korda.
Can Alcaraz Hold the Field Together?
Despite all the withdrawals, the Rotterdam Open still has one massive name: Carlos Alcaraz.
- The four-time Grand Slam champion is still listed as the tournament’s No. 1 seed.
- However, with so many players pulling out, will Alcaraz follow suit and withdraw as well?
If he remains in the draw, the event will still have a marquee player to headline the week. But if he decides to skip Rotterdam, the tournament could struggle to maintain its high-profile status.
What’s Next for Korda?
Korda remains one of the most talented young players on the ATP Tour, but his progress has been stalled by injuries.
- If this latest withdrawal is injury-related, it could further delay his long-awaited Grand Slam breakthrough.
- If he’s simply managing his schedule, he’ll likely return stronger for upcoming events.
Either way, Rotterdam will move forward without him—another setback in what has already been a tournament filled with unfortunate withdrawals.