Stefanos Tsitsipas won’t feature at next week’s Abierto Mexicano Telcel as he is still struggling with an injury he picked up after the Australian Open.

The world No 3 has been battling with a shoulder problem and has decided not to risk the injury, opting to withdraw from next week’s ATP 500 event in Mexico.

Tsitsipas finished runner-up to Novak Djokovic at the Australia Open before losing in the second round of the Rotterdam Open last week, but he will now have some time to rest his injury.

“It is with great disappointment that I must announce my withdrawal from the 2023 Abierto Mexicano de Tennis in Acapulco due to a shoulder injury I sustained after the Australian Open,” the Greek wrote on social media.

“Mexico is one of my favourite destinations in the world, and I have always cherished the opportunity to compete in this prestigious tournament.

“I am incredibly grateful for the support that I have received from the tennis people and the fans in Mexico over the past couple of years. Your unwavering support has been a tremendous source of inspiration and motivation for me, and I am truly thankful for all the encouragement and kindness that you have shown me.”

Reigning US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz will headline the Mexican Open with Casper Ruud, Taylor Fritz, Holger Rune, Cameron Norrie and Frances Tiafoe also in the main draw.

Rafael Nadal is the defending champion, but the 22-time Grand Slam champion has opted not to return to Acapulco this year.

READ MORE: Stefanos Tsitsipas’ 2023 tennis schedule: Where is he competing next and his season so far…

Instead of being downcast, Tsitsipas is planing to use the time away from the court to rest and recover for what’s to come.

He added: “Although this setback is disappointing, I am choosing to focus on the positives. I will use this time to rest, recover, and come back stronger than ever. I will continue to work hard and strive towards my goals, and I am confident that I will have many more opportunities to compete in Mexico in the future.”

Tsitsipas is set to return to action at the ATP Masters 1000 Indian Wells Open, which gets underway on March 6, before heading to Florida for the Miami Open. The action will then return to Europe for the clay-court season.

READ MORE: Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Emma Raducanu, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Casper Ruud sign up for mixed doubles event

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