Alcaraz set for Vienna Open return after four-year absence

Carlos Alcaraz has accepted a wildcard for the Erste Bank Open in Vienna after the Six Kings Slam was postponed. The Spaniard will return to the ATP 500 event for the first time since 2021, joining a strong field

New Delhi: Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz will return to the Erste Bank Open in Vienna later this month after accepting a wildcard for the ATP 500 event.

The World No. 3 will return to Vienna for the first time since 2021, when he made his debut at the indoor event. The Spaniard chose Vienna over an ATP 250 event, having reached the semifinals in 2021 and defeated Andy Murray before losing to eventual champion Alexander Zverev.

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Alcaraz’s return to the Austrian capital comes after the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia was postponed following attacks on the host city, Riyadh. The Vienna organisers took the opportunity to contact Alcaraz’s management and secure the seven-time champion’s participation.

“When indications emerged on Wednesday that the Six Kings Slam, originally scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia next week, would be postponed until the end of December, Tournament Director Herwig Straka reacted immediately and contacted Carlos Alcaraz’s management,” the Vienna organisers said.

Straka said Alcaraz accepted the wildcard without much hesitation.

“Everything happened very quickly after that, and Carlos agreed to come to Vienna without much hesitation. I am delighted that we will be able to welcome him to the Erste Bank Open this year. He is one of the most exciting players and personalities on the ATP Tour and captivates an enormous global fanbase. His commitment is a tremendous honour for our tournament,” Straka said.

Alcaraz will be the second seed in the event, behind Alexander Zverev. Six players ranked in the top 10 will compete in the tournament, with Daniil Medvedev, Flavio Cobolli, Alex de Minaur and Frances Tiafoe joining Alcaraz and Zverev.

Alcaraz recently suffered a shock third-round defeat at the Shanghai Masters, losing to Zizou Bergs in the round of 32.