Dudi Sela reportedly withdrew from the quarter-final to observe Yom Kippur ©Getty Images

Israel's top ranked tennis player Dudi Sela withdrew from the Shenzhen Open to mark the start of Yom Kippur, it has been reported.

Sela was competing at the quarter-final stage of the tournament when he pulled out during his match against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine.

The world number 77 had claimed the second set to level the tie but decided to leave with the score 6-3, 4-6, 1-0 to Dolgopolov.

His withdrawal was due to the realisation he would not be able to complete the match in China in time for the sunset on September 29, which marked the beginning of Yom Kippur this year.

Yom Kippur is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.

Israel's Dudi Sela left the court after the opening game of the third set ©Getty Images
Israel's Dudi Sela left the court after the opening game of the third set ©Getty Images

According to Vavel, Sela had requested his match with Dolgopolov take place first on the main court to enable him to complete the match and observe the holiday.

The request was reportedly denied by organisers, with the contest between China's Zhizhen Zhang and Switzerland's Henri Laaksonen the first held on the day.

The withdrawal could have cost Sela a total of $34,000 (£25,000/€29,000) in prize money had he progressed at the tournament.

Dolgopolov advanced as a result of Sela's withdrawal, with the Ukrainian eventually reaching the final in China.

He was beaten 6-4, 6-7, 6-3 by Belgium's David Goffin at the Shenzhen Longgang Tennis Center.