Tsitsipas retires with injury after just three games against Rune at ATP Finals

In an unexpected turn of events at the ATP Finals in Turin, Stefanos Tsitsipas retired due to an injury after just three games into his second match on Tuesday. This resulted in Holger Rune being handed an easy victory. Tsitsipas, the 2019 champion, faced a 2-1 deficit in the opening set before consulting his trainer and eventually conceding the game to Rune. The abrupt ending, just 17 minutes into play, was met with disappointment from the crowd in Turin, who had to settle for an impromptu exhibition match between alternate players Taylor Fritz and Hubert Hurkacz.

This retirement came after Tsitsipas’ loss to home favorite Jannik Sinner, after cutting short a practice session earlier due to a suspected physical issue. Despite claiming to be “absolutely fine,” Tsitsipas’ performance in the ATP Finals was hindered, culminating in his retirement during the match against Rune.

Rune, who previously lost to Novak Djokovic, now leads the green group after Tsitsipas’ early exit. Expressing sympathy for his opponent, Rune acknowledged that Tsitsipas’ discomfort was apparent from the start of the match. The Danish player conveyed well wishes for Tsitsipas, recognizing the toll a grueling season can take on athletes.

This retirement marks the second time Tsitsipas has withdrawn from the ATP Finals in recent years, following a similar early exit in the 2021 tournament. The sudden turn of events creates uncertainty and raises questions about Tsitsipas’ future participation in elite tennis competitions.

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Jessica Roberts

Jessica Roberts serves up the latest in the world of tennis. With a love for the racket sport, she reports on tennis matches, player rankings, and Grand Slam events, ensuring readers stay informed about the tennis world.