Staff Reporter.
Daniil Medvedev said he will not defend his Qatar Open title next week as he has not returned to full fitness after the former world No 1 pulled out of the ongoing event in Rotterdam citing a foot injury and fatigue.
The Russian has not played since losing to Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open final last month.
“Unfortunately, I am not able to defend my title in Doha this year. I am still not 100 per cent ready to compete,” the 2021 US Open champion said on Instagram.
“I am very sorry for the tournament, the fans, and the sponsors of the event who have always treated me so well when I was in Doha. I love playing in Doha and look forward to coming back in the future.”
Medvedev beat Andy Murray in last year’s final.
Spaniard Rafael Nadal also pulled out of the ATP 250 tournament, which will be held in Doha from February 19-24, as the 22-times Grand Slam champion continues to struggle with injury.
Meanwhile four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka and holder Barbora Krejcikova have pulled out of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Osaka is still trying to find her feet on tour after returning to the circuit last month following a maternity break.
The Japanese player fell in the first round of the Australian Open and in Abu Dhabi, and lost to Karolina Pliskova in the Qatar Open quarterfinals on Thursday.