Stefanos Tsitsipas retires after three games against Holger Rune, withdraws from Nitto ATP Finals due to injury

Stefanos Tsitsipas retired after three games of his Nitto ATP Finals match against Holger Rune due to injury, and subsequently withdrew from the tournement.

Rune was leading 2-1 when Tsitsipas called for the doctor at the change of the ends.

The world No. 6 appeared to be bothered by a back issue and decided he couldn’t continue.

The win means Rune has a 1-1 record in the Green Group while Tsitsipas is 0-2.

“My apologies to all the fans and the crowd that came to support me today and watch the match,” he said in his post-match press conference. “I’m really gutted that I wasn’t able to finish the match. It’s a shame also not to give that spot to someone else to at least try and do something with it.”

“My doctors and the countless visits that I had in the past few days suggested that I play, gave me the green light to go and try it for myself.

“Unfortunately, I felt terrible on the court. I did what I could do in the best possible way to be ready and fit for this match, but it didn’t work out for me.”

Tsitsipas will be replaced in his group by first alternate Hubert Hurkacz.

“It kills me not to be able to finish this tournament,” he added. “The one that I’ve prepped for for so long, made sure that I’m completely fit to perform at my best and show my capacities as a player.”

Hurkacz and second alternate Taylor Fritz were called on to play an exhibition match following Tsitsipas’ withdrawal.

The other group match takes place on Tuesday evening between Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, both of whom won their openers.

Tsitsipas lost against Sinner in his first match in Turin.

He was asked whether he had an injury concerns after that contest, but said: “No, not that I’m aware.

“I’m absolutely fine and I’m ready to play this tournament. Turin is one of the most important events of the year for me. I’m healthy. I’m ready to compete.”

The final Green Group matches will be on Thursday, with Rune playing Sinner and either Tsitsipas or Hurkacz facing Djokovic.