Sinner disappointed fans: “After consulting with the team, we made a tough decision.”

ROTTERDAM – World No. 1 and winner of the season’s first Grand Slam, Jannik Sinner, will not participate in the ATP 500 tournament in Rotterdam, where he was set to defend his title from last year.

The 23-year-old Italian informed the organizers that he needs to rest after his campaign at the Australian Open.

Sinner claimed his third Grand Slam title and second in Melbourne with a victory over Germany’s Alexander Zverev, 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3, on Sunday.

“After consulting with my team, we made the difficult decision not to participate in the tournament. My body needs rest after the long run in Australia,” the Italian tennis player said, as quoted by AFP.

Instead of Sinner, 19-year-old Czech Jakub Menšík will move into the main draw, and after Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria withdrew, second alternate Roberto Bautista from Spain will take his spot. Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz will now assume the top seed position.