Djokovic Withdraws from Paris; Rune Undergoes Surgery; Rublev Loses After Racket Smash; Veterans Show Resilience; Rising Star Ends Four-Match Losing Streak

Three minutes daily to catch up on global tennis news. Hello tennis fans, today is Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Welcome to the midday news update brought to you by "Tennis Home."

First, let's turn our attention to Serbian star Novak Djokovic. Last night Beijing time, the seven-time Paris Masters champion announced on his personal social media that he is withdrawing from this year's Paris Masters. "Dear Paris, I’m sorry I can’t compete this year. Over the years, I’ve made many wonderful memories here, especially being honored to win seven titles. Looking forward to seeing you next year." Some fans speculate that Djokovic might continue to withdraw from events, including the year-end finals, effectively ending his 2025 season to prepare for next year’s Australian Open.

Next, let's focus on Denmark’s top player Rune. Last night Beijing time, Rune posted on his social media that he has successfully undergone Achilles tendon repair surgery. "Hello everyone, today’s surgery went very well. Thanks for all the messages and support. I will keep you updated on my recovery. Now it’s time to rest and begin treatment."

Rune’s tweet did not provide details about the surgery, but a well-known blogger shared an animated demonstration of the Achilles tendon repair, which many fans admitted was quite frightening after watching it.

Back to the courts. Last night Beijing time, two ATP 500 indoor hard court tournaments continued this week. In Vienna, the 7th seed and Russian star Rublev was eliminated by Britain’s Norrie with scores of 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-2, marking his fifth consecutive loss on the tour. During the match, Rublev lost his temper and smashed his racket into pieces, but it didn’t change the outcome. Fortunately, he didn’t slam his thigh as before, or else there would have been blood on the spot.

Meanwhile, players like Misolic, Echeverri, Cerundolo, and Zverev advanced to the second round with consecutive wins.

In Basel, 40-year-old local veteran Wawrinka defeated Serbian Kecmanovic 6-1, 7-6(3), earning his first main draw hard court tour victory this season. From the qualifiers, 37-year-old former US Open champion Cilic beat Belgian lucky loser Goffin 7-6(9), 7-5 to reach round two. Young stars Shelton and Fonseca also won their opening matches and secured good starts.

Turning to the women’s circuit. Yesterday Beijing time, the WTA250 Guangzhou International Women’s Tennis Open continued. In the first round singles, two-time champion and Chinese veteran Zhang Shuai, who entered with a wildcard, defeated Russian Zakharova 6-4, 6-1, achieving a season double over her opponent in China. Next, she will face Slovenian Erjavec. Chinese youngster Guo Hanyu narrowly lost in the deciding set tiebreak to Hungary’s Bondar, exiting in the first round.

Other matches: American qualifier Liu Jingwen came back from a set down to beat Philippine top player Iera 2-6, 6-4, 6-4; New Zealander Lulu Sun upset top seed and Spaniard Manero in two tiebreaks; Colombian Osorio comfortably defeated Italian Bronzetti 6-1, 6-2. Other first-round winners included McNally, Tomljanovic, Seidel, Potapova, Rakhimova, Volynets, and Ann Li.

At the WTA500 Tokyo tournament, last year’s runner-up and 10th seed Kenin cruised past local wildcard Nejima Monoka 6-1, 6-3 in the opening round. She will next face another local player, Hachisuka Hazuki, who defeated Czech Batukova 6-4, 6-3. In a Canadian derby, 9th seed Mboko beat compatriot Andreescu 6-3, 6-3, finally ending her recent four-match losing streak in singles.

Finally, a guess and recognition challenge. The photo below shows a player relaxing at home. Without hints, can you identify who she is?

In the last guessing game, fans gave the correct answer. Yes, the person in the picture is the famous Japanese player Naomi Osaka.

(Source: Tennis Home Author: Lone Wolf)