Introduction
The ninth edition of the Los Cabos Open Tennis (ATC) is underway, but it faces a significant challenge even before the opening ceremony: the aftermath of Wimbable. Ten players, including Lorenzo Musetti, Brandon Nakashima, Jordan Thompson, Jaume Munar, Cameron Norrie, Borna Coric, Rinky Hijikata, Ethan Quinn, Brandon Holt, and Yoshihito Nishioka, had to withdraw from the ATP 250 tournament in Mexico due to injuries and muscle fatigue from participating in Wimbledon.
The Impact of Wimbledon on Los Cabos Open
José Antonio Fernández, the tournament director of ATC, explained to El Economista that these withdrawals are a natural physical wear and tear on players during a demanding season, particularly in a complex week following Wimbledam. He emphasized that this situation is not exclusive to Los Cabos, as Sweden and Switzerland also faced similar challenges with their respective ATP 250 tournaments.
Historical Context and ATP’s Role
Since its inception in 2016, the ATC has seen its highest number of withdrawals in 2021, with ten players opting out this year as well. Fernández highlighted that the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) should address this recurring issue, as it affects multiple tournaments in the same week following Wimbledam. He mentioned that in the upcoming two years, Los Cabos will be scheduled after a week of rest following Wimbledon, which should help mitigate such problems.
Notable Withdrawals and Remaining Players
Among the notable withdrawals is Lorenzo Musetti, currently ranked 7th in the ATP rankings. This leaves Andrey Rublev (ranking 14) as the highest-ranked player in the tournament, which will take place from July 14 to 19 with a total prize purse of $889,890.
- Withdrawals:
- Lorenzo Musetti (Italy, ranking 7)
- Brandon Nakashima (United States, ranking 34)
- Jordan Thompson (Australia, ranking 44/defending champion in Los Cabos)
- Jaume Munar (Spain, ranking 55)
- Cameron Norrie (United Kingdom, ranking 61)
- Borna Coric (Croatia, ranking 81)
- Yoshihito Nishioka (Japan, ranking 82)
- Rinky Hijikata (Australia, ranking 87)
- Ethan Quinn (United States, ranking 89)
- Brandon Holt (United States, ranking 99)
- Top Remaining Players:
- Andrey Rublev (Russia, ranking 14)
- Alejandro Davidovich (Spain, ranking 27)
- Denis Shapovalov (Canada, ranking 30)
- Quentin Halys (France, ranking 46)
- Daniel Altmaier (Germany, ranking 57)
- Bu Yanchaokete (China, ranking 71)
- Aleksandar Kovacevic (United States, ranking 76)
- Adam Walton (Australia, ranking 90)
- Mexican Participants:
- Rodrigo Pacheco (singles and doubles)
- Alejandro Hernández (singles)
- Luis Carlos Álvarez (singles)
- Santiago González (doubles)
- Hans Hach (doubles)
- Manuel Sánchez (doubles)
*Alan Magadán may join the main singles draw if he wins the last qualifying round on Sunday night.
Key Questions and Answers
- Is there any assurance for the tournament amidst these withdrawals?
Fernández stated that these withdrawals are normal and occur in Sweden and Switzerland as well. He emphasized that the tournament will continue with marvelous players and three Mexican participants in the main draw. He highlighted the positive aspects, such as a great event, wonderful weather, and ticket sales going well.
