The upcoming 2025 Hamburg Open, set to commence on May 18, is facing significant challenges due to the late withdrawals of several prominent players, most notably the world No. 1, Jannik Sinner. The ATP 500 tournament, traditionally held in July, has been adjusted to take place just before the French Open, a change that has adversely affected its star-studded player lineup.
Joining Sinner in their decision to withdraw are Lorenzo Musetti and Holger Rune, both top 10 players, as well as Tommy Paul and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Additionally, lower-ranked players Sebastian Korda and Ugo Humbert will not participate, further diminishing the tournament’s appeal. Notably, Sinner, Musetti, and Paul all exited the Italian Open after reaching the semi-finals, prompting their decision to bow out of Hamburg.
Despite these setbacks, the tournament has received a major boost with the acceptance of an A+ wildcard by Germany’s top player, Alexander Zverev, currently ranked No. 2 in the world. Zverev previously claimed the Hamburg Open title in 2023 and was the runner-up the year before. Initially hesitant about joining the tournament, his participation became possible following a recent quarter-final defeat at the Italian Open.
Zverev is now the only top 10 player confirmed to compete in Hamburg, but he will be joined by other notable stars including Frances Tiafoe, Andrey Rublev, and Francisco Cerundolo. Additionally, rising talents like Jakub Mensik, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Brandon Nakashima are expected to make significant contributions to the event.
The current entry list reflects a mix of seasoned competitors and emerging players, promising an exciting tournament despite the initial wave of withdrawals. The Hamburg Open’s organizers will hope that Zverev’s presence, paired with the enthusiasm surrounding the younger talents, will help mitigate the impact of the top stars’ absences and draw in fans eager for high-level tennis.