2025 Moselle Open Overview
As the 2025 Moselle Open approaches, held in Metz, the anticipated draw has unfortunately turned out to be less competitive than fans had hoped. This comes on the heels of a series of withdrawals that have significantly altered the field. Taking place just before the ATP Finals set for November 9 to 16, the Moselle Open, along with the 2025 Athens Open, represents the last of the ATP 250 events scheduled before the season wraps up and a new one begins in January 2026.
Withdrawals Impacting the Tournament
Typically, the tournaments in the final week leading to the ATP Finals are characterized by diminished entry lists. Initially, the Moselle Open seemed poised to break this trend with an impressive lineup; however, the landscape has shifted dramatically as high-profile players opted to withdraw.
Notable Player Absences
One notable absence is Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, who had been enjoying a resurgence in form as the season drew to a close. Following a split with his long-time coach Gilles Cervara after the US Open — a decision that some experts believed was overdue given his two-year title drought — Medvedev briefly found success with new coaches Thomas Johansson and Rohan Goetzke, culminating in a title win at the Almaty Open after solid performances in the China Open and Shanghai Masters.
Medvedev’s hopes were dashed during a dramatic quarterfinal match at the Paris Masters against Alexander Zverev, where he held two match points but ultimately lost in a tense tiebreak. Following this exhausting encounter, Medvedev made the decision to conclude his season, a choice regarded as sensible given his extensive matchplay since the US Open and a renewed sense of confidence heading into 2026.
Another significant absence is Frances Tiafoe, who announced earlier that he would be prematurely concluding his season due to a challenging year. Tiafoe has also undergone a complete overhaul of his team, parting ways with his coach David Witt, known for his success with elite talents like Venus Williams and Jessica Pegula, marking a bold yet necessary move after underwhelming performances.
Local Impact and Additional Withdrawals
Local fans are particularly disheartened by the withdrawal of Ugo Humbert, a Metz native whose unforgettable victory at the event in 2023 remains etched in the tournament’s history. Humbert has been sidelined since retiring from the semifinal of the Swiss Indoors, further diminishing local hopes for a strong home competitor.
Tallon Griekspoor and Tomas Machac have also withdrawn, with Griekspoor being a crowd favorite for his captivating matches against Zverev. Despite Machac’s inconsistent results this season, his growth as a player has been noted and will be missed. A host of other players, including Alex Michelsen, Gabriel Diallo, Benjamin Bonzi, and Zizou Bergs, have also exited the tournament.
Lastly, the status of Felix Auger-Aliassime remains uncertain after his performance that advanced him to the final in Paris; his participation in Metz might significantly influence the ATP Finals qualification picture for him.
