The Stockholm tournament loses its defending champion: Paul withdraws, will not travel to Sweden

The ordeal continues for Tommy Paul. The world No. 15, absent from the tour since his third-round loss at the US Open against Alexander Bublik, does not know when he will return to competition.

Affected by various injuries, including to his foot and abdomen in recent months, the American has been forced to withdraw from the Laver Cup, the Davis Cup, and the Shanghai Masters 1000.

The 28-year-old player will also be unable to participate in a very special tournament for him. Indeed, Paul has been forced to withdraw from the ATP 250 tournament in Stockholm scheduled for next week, from October 13 to 19.

Having won his first title on the main tour in 2021 against Denis Shapovalov in the Swedish capital, the Voorhees native also lifted this trophy last year against Grigor Dimitrov.

This withdrawal benefits three players who enter the main draw: Jacob Fearnley, Damir Dzumhur, and Aleksandar Kovacevic. For now, the top five seeds announced for the tournament are Casper Ruud, Denis Shapovalov, Ugo Humbert, Grigor Dimitrov, and Tallon Griekspoor. On the French side, Alexandre Muller is also expected to be present.