What Jannik Sinner’s Rotterdam title, Carlos Alcaraz’s latest loss says about current state of ATP’s future

World number one Jannik Sinner will not defend his ATP 500 title from Rotterdam after withdrawing from the tournament on Monday. The Italian needs further rest after beating Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s Australian Open final to lift the trophy in Melbourne for a second time.

"After consulting with my team we had to take the difficult decision to withdraw from the ABN AMRO Open,” Sinner said in a statement.

My body needs time to rest after the long run in Australia. I have great memories from winning the title in front of amazing crowds at Rotterdam Ahoy last year and hope to be back there soon. I wish Richard (Krajicek) and the whole team a great event.”

Sinner’s substantial lead at the top of the ATP Tour rankings means he is in no danger of losing his world number one status. He’s next scheduled to compete at the ATP 250 Qatar ExxonMobil Open from 17-22 February.

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Alcaraz tops Rotterdam field

Sinner’s withdrawal means three-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz becomes the top seed in Rotterdam. The Spaniard leads a heavyweight line up including former champions Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev, as well as Australian Open 2025 quarterfinalist Alex de Minaur.

Grigor Dimitrov is another big name who has withdrawn from Rotterdam as he continues to battle a groin injury. Sinner and Dimitrov’s places in the draw will be taken by Jakub Mensik and Roberto Bautista Agut.

Other former champions in Rotterdam include Gael Monfils and Roger Federer.