Dimitrov withdraws from Metz but will be in Turin as reserve

This Tuesday will always be remembered as the day of ‘unexpected injuries’ for a few male circuit players. Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from the ATP Finals has led to Casper Ruud, Andrey Rublev, and Alex De Minaur securing their direct ticket to the tournament of champions, causing more than one player to withdraw from the event they were competing in this week, as the goal had been achieved and there was no need to exert themselves further. The latest to join the list is Grigor Dimitrov, who withdrew a few minutes ago from the ATP 250 in Metz after confirming that he will be in Turin as a substitute. Stefanos Tsitsipas will join him on that reserve bench, waiting for an opportunity in case any of his teammates get injured.

It was a critical win for the 27-year-old’s Nitto ATP Finals dreams. The American is trying to qualify for the season finale for the first time and by claiming the crown in Stockholm ascended to 10th in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, passing Dimitrov by beating the Bulgarian in the championship match.

Paul now trails eighth-placed Andrey Rublev by 495 points in the Live Race. He will try to further narrow the deficit next week in Vienna.

The American put himself in that position with a flawless performance in Stockholm, where he played two tie-breaks and the next-closest set he played was 6-4. He won five of his eight sets by a margin of 6-3 or greater.

This Tuesday will always be remembered as the day of ‘unexpected injuries’ for a few male circuit players. Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from the ATP Finals has led to Casper Ruud, Andrey Rublev, and Alex De Minaur securing their direct ticket to the tournament of champions, causing more than one player to withdraw from the event they were competing in this week, as the goal had been achieved and there was no need to exert themselves further. The latest to join the list is Grigor Dimitrov, who withdrew a few minutes ago from the ATP 250 in Metz after confirming that he will be in Turin as a substitute. Stefanos Tsitsipas will join him on that reserve bench, waiting for an opportunity in case any of his teammates get injured.

It was a critical win for the 27-year-old’s Nitto ATP Finals dreams. The American is trying to qualify for the season finale for the first time and by claiming the crown in Stockholm ascended to 10th in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, passing Dimitrov by beating the Bulgarian in the championship match.

Paul now trails eighth-placed Andrey Rublev by 495 points in the Live Race. He will try to further narrow the deficit next week in Vienna.

The American put himself in that position with a flawless performance in Stockholm, where he played two tie-breaks and the next-closest set he played was 6-4. He won five of his eight sets by a margin of 6-3 or greater.