As each year, and less than 3 weeks before the start of this 5th edition, main draw entry list has just been released. Without waiting any longer, a few words on some of the players to be followed, before knowing the wild cards and players from qualifying …
Challenger Tour is especially dedicated to reveal future tennis stars, and this new edition should not be an exception, with several young rising players to be followed. And first, Swiss Dominic Stricker,20 years, who won Roland Garros junior in 2020, and already ranked 125th, notably thanks to another crown captured in Challenger in Italy at the end of February. Gabriel Diallo, 21 years Canadian, who realized an astonishing entry in ATP tour in 2022, jumping 700 ranks in 6 months, should also be an attraction!
French players will be well represented, with first of all the defender Quentin Halys, whose presence will depend on his results in Miami Masters 1000, which starts the week before Play In Challenger. He will be accompanied by always highly awaited Benoit Paire,whose poor results over the last months do not challenger at all his popularity. Antoine Escoffier and Hugo Grenier will be also part of the French delegation.
Australian players will also be numerous, led by Max Purcell, winnerof3 Challengers in a row in India, and who just entered into top 100. Also excellent double player (winner of Wimbledon last year…), his career in single is starting to rise. His compatriots John Millman, who upset Roger Federer in US Open 2018, Aleksandar Vukic and Li Tu will lead a talented and numerous Aussie delegation.
A high density of players ranked between 100 and 150 is also listed in a tournament which is expected to be very open. Croatian Borna Gojo, who especially defeated Adrian Mannarino this year, Slovakian Norbert Gombos, who already knows Play In Challenger, as also Austrian Jurij Rodionov and Slovakian Lukas Klein, should also be able to compete for the title.
Let’s precise at last this list may potentially evolve, since players have the right to withdraw until the last moment. Fingers crossed …
Play In Challenger : from 27 March to 2 April in Tennis Club Lillois Lille Métropole.
