2014 semifinalist Alexandr Dolgopolov to skip Indian Wells Masters

Former world No. 13 Alexandr Dolgopolov has withdrawn from the Indian Wells Masters but he remains on the entry list for the Mexico Open in Acapulco. 

Dolgopolov, who hasn't played in nearly two years, hoped he would be ready for the beginning of the season but he was forced to skip the whole January. 

The Ukrainian also pulled out of this week's Rio Open but used his protected ranking to enter next week's ATP 500 event in Acapulco. 

The 31-year-old now withdrew from the opening Masters event of the season but he could still make his long-awaited comeback next week. 

Dolgopolov last played at the Rome Masters in May 2018, where he won just four games in his opener at the tournament against world No. 1 Novak Djokovic. 

Since then, the Ukrainian underwent several surgeries but refused to quit the game as he is giving his best effort to get back to being fully healthy and give tennis another shot. 

Dolgopolov, a seven-time Indian Wells participant, made the semifinal at the tournament in 2014 -- before losing to Roger Federer. 

Following the withdrawal of Dolgopolov, a place in the Indian Wells main draw has opened for 2018 French Open semifinalist Marco Cecchinato.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2V8m67x