ATP Rotterdam: No Zverev, no Cilic - Nishikori as a favorite
After the cancellation of Alexander Zverev and Marin Cilic, only one top ten player is represented at the ATP Tour 500 tournament in Rotterdam.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Feb 09, 2019, 12:05 pm
According to Alexander Zverev, who announced his withdrawal immediately after the Davis Cup game against Hungary, the ATP Tour 500 tournament in Rotterdam will also have to do without Marin Cilic in the coming week: The Croatian, who competed at the Australian Open Roberto Bautista Agut was inferior, withdrew his name late. Defending champion Roger Federer had not promised to take part anyway.
This leaves Kei Nishikori only a top ten player in the 32 grid. The Japanese starts against Pierre-Hugues Herbert, who is currently still employed in Montpellier. Karen Khachanov is number two in Rotterdam, meeting local hero Tallon Griekspoor.
From a German perspective, Philipp Kohlschreiber did not get a good lot: The Kitzbüheler of choice starts right away against the number four of the tournament, Milos Raonic.
By the way, tournament director Richard Krajicek has given two of the three wild cards to veterans: Stan Wawrinka, who plays Benoit Paire in round one, and Tomas Berdych, who will face a qualifier.