Daniil Medvedev is not going to defend his title at the 2024 Qatar Open, as announced on the tournament’s official social media account.
Daniil Medvedev, the Russian, who played the most sets of any player in Grand Slam history, was a finalist at the Australian Open this year. With a scorching 24 hours and 17 minutes on the court during a Grand Slam tournament, he also broke the record for most time spent on the court (Open Era).
In the championship match, the 28-year-old led Jannik Sinner by two sets to love but ultimately lost in five sets. Not only did he lose to Rafael Nadal in 2022, but he would also make history by becoming the first player to lose two Australian Open finals while leading by two sets.
And because to that mileage, Medvedev decided it was appropriate to withdraw from the first two events. Right now, he trails Sinner in the ATP Race to Turin rankings. But this week or before the end of the month, he’ll probably give up his World No. 3 status to the Italian.
Medvedev has chosen to skip this week’s Qatar Open and Rotterdam, where he is defending three titles in February. Despite being signed up to compete at the Dubai Championships, it is unknown if he will attend.
With regard to his absence from Doha, the former US Open champion acknowledged he was still recovering from his efforts in Australia and is likely looking for more time to heal. In the future, he aspires to get the chance to compete at the event.
“I regretfully can’t defend my title in Doha this year. I still don’t feel fully prepared to compete. I sincerely apologise to the competitors, spectators, and event sponsors—all of whom had always shown me such kindness during my time in Doha. I’m excited to return to Doha in the future since I enjoy playing there.”
The statement made by Medvedev via the Qatar Open Instagram page
A double blow to the tournament organizers, Medvedev withdraws from the ATP 250 tournament in the Middle East along with 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal.