Lyon have found a replacement for Tiafoe: Flavio Cobolli will be the number one seed.
It was a huge shock for Frances Tiafoe, but Lyon responded quickly: thanks to ATP rules, Flavio Cobolli joined the main draw and became the new number one seed in the French tournament.
Frances Tiafoe’s eventual withdrawal did not leave a large void at the top of the ATP 250 Lyon group.
ATP rules allow the French tournament to replace its former number one seed with a top player: Flavio Cobolli has been called into the group and will take the number one seed.
Cobolli takes Tiafoe’s place.
Frances Tiafoe was expected to be a major draw at the inaugural tournament held at the LDLC Arena in Lyon.
The American ultimately announced his withdrawal due to a leg injury, just days after being eliminated by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the third round of the Shanghai Masters 1000.
However, the organizers can compensate for this absence thanks to ATP rules. Flavio Cobolli will join the main draw and become the new number one seed of the tournament.
This participation helps Lyon retain a top-class player among the main highlights of the tournament. The tournament will take place from October 19 to 25 on indoor hard courts and is one of the final stages before the Rolex Paris Masters.
