The final push of the 2026 ATP season has taken a significant hit as eight players have withdrawn from the upcoming ATP 500 events in Vienna and Basel. Leading the list is World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who has confirmed his absence from Vienna as part of a broader withdrawal from the entire post-Wimbledon schedule. Sinner, who successfully defended his title in 2025 and previously won in 2023, will miss the opportunity to protect his home-turf advantage, a decision that will likely accelerate his slide toward the World No. 2 ranking.
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The withdrawals extend beyond the top seed, with Alexander Blockx also exiting the Vienna draw following a winless streak since his retirement from the US Open quarterfinals. In Basel, the absence of high-profile names like Matteo Berrettini and Taylor Fritz further thins the field, altering the competitive landscape for the remaining contenders. These exits create immediate opportunities for lower-ranked players to secure crucial ranking points ahead of the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals, where the stakes for year-end positioning are at their peak.
Luca Van Assche has been named as the direct replacement for Sinner in Vienna, entering the draw with momentum from his quarterfinal run in Lyon last week. Despite his recent comeback victory over Valentin Vacherot, Van Assche faces an immediate challenge against rising star Learner Tien in the first round. With the top-heavy draws now significantly altered, the remaining players in both cities have a clear path to deep runs, potentially reshaping the final standings before the season concludes.
Source: Yahoo Sports
