Las Vegas MGM exhibition event postponed due to withdrawal of Jannik Sinner, Taylor Fritz and other ATP stars under bizarre circumstances

Tennis fans in Las Vegas, Nevada will have to wait a little longer for the opportunity to see their favorite players in person, as the scheduled Las Vegas MGM Rewards Slam exhibition event has been postponed.

The star-studded event was set to feature some of the biggest names on both the ATP and WTA circuit, with World No.1's Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka already confirmed for the event. Additionally, Alexander Zverev, Naomi Osaka, Casper Ruud and Taylor Fritz were all scheduled to compete at the event, which was slated for Match 1-2, 2025.

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Sinner's ban, food poisoning in Acapulco played a role

With the Australian Open champion testing positive for a banned substance and receiving a three-month suspension, Sinner will be unable to compete in any tennis-related activities till his ban ends in May. Although Ruud was scheduled to replace Sinner at the exhibition event, the Norwegian developed a case of food poisoning at the Mexican Open in Acapulco this week, and has not recovered in time.

Joining Ruud on the sidelines are Zverev and Tommy Paul, who also fell ill due to food poisoning in Acapulco. Top-ranked American Taylor Fritz was forced to withdraw from the Mexican Open due to an abdominal injury, meaning he would also be unable to compete at the exhibition event in Las Vegas this weekend.

With Indian Wells set to begin on March 5, it is unlikely that any player would want to risk aggravating their ailments this close to the ATP Masters 1000 event. It remains to be seen whether a suitable venue for the exhibition will be found in the schedule later this year.

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