Fonseca withdraws from Hamburg Open with wrist injury ahead of French Open
Synopsis
The Hamburg Open has lost two of its biggest names in 24 hours. Joao Fonseca, the 19-year-old Brazilian ranked No. 30 in the world, joins Alexander Zverev on the sidelines — Fonseca with a right wrist concern, Zverev with a persistent back problem. Both have French Open ambitions that made Hamburg a risk not worth taking.
Key Takeaways
Joao Fonseca withdrew from the Hamburg Open on 17 May due to discomfort in his right wrist .
The decision is precautionary, with the French Open beginning on 24 May as the primary target.
Fonseca, 19 , holds a 10-9 record this season and is ranked No.
30 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings.
Alexander Zverev also withdrew a day earlier with back problems; he holds a 17-7 record in Hamburg and won the title in 2023 .
The twin exits represent a major blow to the ATP 500 clay-court event's lineup days before the main draw.
Joao Fonseca, the 19-year-old Brazilian rising star, has pulled out of the Hamburg Open citing discomfort in his right wrist, dealing the ATP 500 clay-court event a second major blow in as many days. The withdrawal, confirmed by Fonseca himself on Instagram on 17 May, is precautionary — with the French Open, starting 24 May, clearly the priority for his team.
Fonseca's Statement
In an Instagram post, Fonseca wrote: 'Hey, everyone. Just wanted to let you know that I won't be able to play at the @bitpandahamburgopen this year. I've been experiencing some slight discomfort in my right wrist since I arrived. Together with my team, I've decided it's best to withdraw as a precaution. Also, I want to thank the tournament for all their support and hospitality. See you all at RG!'
The message signals that Fonseca and his camp are unwilling to risk a more serious injury at a tune-up event when Roland Garros — the sport's most prestigious clay-court Grand Slam — is barely a week away.
A Season of Promise Cut Short in Hamburg
Despite his 10-9 win-loss record this season, Fonseca's performances have consistently belied his ranking. He reached clay-court quarter-finals in both Monte-Carlo and Munich, took a set off Alexander Zverev in Monte-Carlo, pushed Ben Shelton hard in Munich, and memorably forced World No. 1 Jannik Sinner to two tie-breaks at Indian Wells. He currently holds the No. 30 spot in the PIF ATP Live Rankings — a remarkable achievement for a teenager in only his first full season on tour.
Zverev Also Out — A Double Blow for Hamburg
Fonseca's exit follows the withdrawal of Alexander Zverev, the tournament's hometown hero, who announced a day earlier that persistent back problems had forced him to skip the event. Zverev, who won the Hamburg title in 2023 and was runner-up in 2024, holds a 17-7 career record at the tournament and is its biggest crowd draw.
In a statement posted on social media, Zverev said: 'I'm really disappointed that I have to withdraw from the Bitpanda Hamburg Open this year. Hamburg is my hometown, and it is always something very special for me to play in front of my home crowd. Unfortunately, I have been dealing with back problems throughout the entire clay-court season. My medical team has therefore strongly advised me to take a break from competition next week and focus on recovery.'
He added: 'I always tried everything possible to be able to compete in the tournament and even played through injury at times, but this time I have to listen to my body and follow the advice of my medical team. I wish everyone a great tournament and hope to see you all again soon!'
What This Means for the Tournament
The back-to-back withdrawals of Zverev and Fonseca — two of the most marketable names in men's tennis — significantly diminish the Hamburg Open's star power just days before the main draw begins. This comes amid a broader pattern of players managing their clay-court schedules tightly around Roland Garros, prioritising Grand Slam readiness over ATP 500 appearances. Organisers will hope the remaining draw can sustain fan interest ahead of what promises to be a compelling French Open.
Point of View
But it underscores a growing tension in the ATP structure: the clay swing before Roland Garros is increasingly treated as a minefield rather than a launchpad. When a 19-year-old ranked No. 30 — still building his ranking and match sharpness — opts out of an ATP 500, it signals how completely the Grand Slam calendar now dominates player decision-making. Hamburg, despite its prestige and Zverev's historic connection, is caught in the crossfire. The tournament's ability to attract and retain top players in the week before a Grand Slam is a structural problem that prize money alone may not solve.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Joao Fonseca withdraw from the Hamburg Open?
Fonseca withdrew due to discomfort in his right wrist, which he began experiencing after arriving in Hamburg. He and his team decided to pull out as a precaution to avoid aggravating the injury ahead of the French Open, which starts on 24 May.
Who else withdrew from the Hamburg Open alongside Fonseca?
Alexander Zverev, the tournament's hometown favourite and two-time recent finalist, also withdrew citing persistent back problems throughout the clay-court season. His medical team advised him to rest rather than compete.
What is Joao Fonseca's current ATP ranking?
Fonseca is ranked No. 30 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings as of the time of his withdrawal. The 19-year-old Brazilian has compiled a 10-9 record this season with notable results against Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Ben Shelton.
What is Alexander Zverev's record at the Hamburg Open?
Zverev holds a 17-7 career record at the Hamburg Open. He won the title in 2023 and was runner-up in 2024, making him the tournament's most prominent figure before his withdrawal.
When does the French Open 2025 begin?
The French Open begins on 24 May 2025. Both Fonseca and Zverev cited the Grand Slam as the reason for their cautious approach to their respective injuries in Hamburg.
