There is much excitement in the tennis world as Wimbledon 2024 gets underway on Monday. Unsurprisingly, there are several top players in the draw. This includes last year’s women’s champion Marketa Vondrousova and the 2024 Australian Open winner Jannik Sinner. There are many great opening round contests, including Iga Swiatek vs Sofia Kenin, which is among the five best women’s first round matches. However, there have also been further withdrawals from the tournament. We at LWOT already reported on four players to withdraw from Wimbledon. This article names four more players who have decided not to play and then lists their replacements in the draw.
Elisabetta Cocciaretto was the first player to withdraw from Wimbledon. This is due to a viral infection that the Italian has been unable to recover from in time for the start of the event. It is a real shame for Cocciaretto, as she was in great form prior to this issue. She reached the fourth-round of the French Open, before having a run to the semifinal on grass in Birmingham.
Corentin Moutet was the second player to withdraw from Wimbledon. The Frenchman, who also progressed to the fourth-round of this year’s French Open, announced that he has been struggling with a bone bruise injury since the clay-court season. After carefully consulting with his doctor, he felt not playing at SW19 was necessary to ensure his participation at the Olympic Games, which is being held at Roland Garros at the end of July.
Dominik Koepfer also withdrew from the event. The 30-year-old is yet to give an official reason for his decision. However, he skipped the Eastbourne International with a left ankle injury, meaning it is likely to be the same issue.
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Alejandro Davidovich Fokina was the final player to withdraw from Wimbledon. His situation seems very similar to Koepfer’s. While no official announcement has been made about his absence, he also did not play in Eastbourne, despite initially being scheduled to do so. It is very probable that whatever kept him out of Eastbourne is responsible for his Wimbledon absence.
Olga Danilovic benefits from Cocciaretto’s decision to withdraw from Wimbledon. Although she lost in qualifying in London, the Serbian showed her immense talent during a run to the fourth-round at the French Open, including a victory against Miami Open champion Danielle Collins. She is set to face Anca Todoni in the opening round.
James Duckworth replaces Moutet at Wimbledon. The Australian lost to Mark Lajal in the final round of qualifying, but he has been given another opportunity in London. However, he faces a very tough opening round match against his compatriot Alex de Minaur.
Luca Van Assche is also in the Wimbledon draw, due to Koepfer electing to withdraw. The 20-year-old lost to his countryman Lucas Pouille during the qualifying stage. Despite this, Van Assche is incredibly talented and capable on all surfaces. He will face the Italian veteran Fabio Fognini in the first-round.
Finally, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard takes Davidovich Fokina’s place at SW19. Despite losing a very close match in the final round of qualifying, his huge serve is a big threat on grass. He will undoubtedly pose a challenge to Sebastian Korda in the opening round.
Main Photo Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
