The Tokyo Open has suffered from another high-profile withdrawal following Ben Shelton leaving the competition.
Shelton announced his withdrawal from the Tokyo Open on September 18 as he continues to recover from the injury that forced him out of the US Open.
Taylor Fritz remains in the Tokyo Open as one of only two top 5 seeds alongside Carlos Alcaraz as a number of players have withdrawn from the competition.
Another top player has announced their departure from the Japanese tournament, leaving just four players ranked in the top 20.
Jiri Lehecka drops out of the Tokyo Open
World No. 16 Jiri Lehecka is the latest top star to announce his withdrawal from the Tokyo Open, which is set to begin on September 24.
The Czech Republic player has been building some excellent momentum in 2025, which included a quarter-final appearance in the US Open, as well as a final appearance at Queen’s in June.
Both of those saw Lehecka lose to Alcaraz, but now he’ll not even get the chance to line up against the World No. 1.
Lehecka was set to be the fifth seed at the event, but now he’ll be replaced by his compatriot, Tomáš Macháč, who is ranked World No. 22.
Last year’s event was won by Arthur Fils, who beat fellow Frenchman Ugo Humbert at the Tokyo event in a three-set contest.
Will there be an upset winner at the Tokyo Open?
With Casper Ruud, Holger Rune, Alcaraz, and Fritz leading the charge at the Laver Cup, there could be an outsider win at the Tokyo Open.
Machac, who is acting as a Team Europe alternate at the Laver Cup, could be a fresher player and might stand a chance of a shock win.
Likewise, Denis Shapovalov, who was the only person other than Alcaraz to take a set off Sinner at the US Open, could continue his ascent up the rankings with a win.
Other players who stand more than a fighting chance are last year’s finalist, Humbert, and Laver Cup alternate Jenson Brooksby.
