Several high-profile players, including Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz and Jack Draper, have withdrawn from the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters. Organizers confirmed the absences, citing injuries as the main reasons. The tournament, set for April 5-12, will still feature seven of the top 10 ATP-ranked players.
The Monte Carlo Masters has been hit by a wave of withdrawals ahead of its April 5-12 schedule. Novak Djokovic, a two-time champion, will miss the event for the first time since 2011, following his absence from the Miami Open. Organizers noted his exit, with Sebastian Baez replacing him in the draw, according to a SpazioTennis update on March 31 listing outs including Djokovic, Fritz, Draper, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Jaume Munar and Sebastian Korda, and ins such as Terence Atmane and Daniel Altmaier. Taylor Fritz cited a knee injury, aiming to 'get it healed 100 percent,' while Korda is sidelined by a back issue after upsetting Carlos Alcaraz in Miami. Jack Draper, managing an arm injury since last year, opted to rest despite recent returns in Dubai, Indian Wells and Miami. He dropped to No. 25 in rankings and will lose 100 points from last year's round of 16. Draper told reporters after Miami he is in the 'very early stages' of his comeback and needs to build momentum. Davidovich Fokina and Munar also pulled out due to injuries, with Munar sidelined since February. Despite the losses, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz leads a strong field with seven top-10 players. Replacements like Atmane, Baez, Altmaier and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard fill the gaps.
