Toronto, Canada – In a significant blow to the upcoming National Bank Open (Canadian Open) in Toronto, top tennis players Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Jannik Sinner have all announced their withdrawal from the ATP Masters 1000 event. The high-profile absences, citing fatigue and various physical issues, come shortly after their demanding campaigns at Wimbledon, raising concerns about player workload on the ATP Tour.
The tournament, a crucial warm-up for the US Open, is scheduled to run from July 27 to August 7 at Sobeys Stadium. Their collective withdrawal leaves the event without three of the sport’s biggest names, much to the disappointment of fans.
Reasons Behind the Withdrawals
The primary reasons cited for the multiple withdrawals revolve around the demanding nature of the professional tennis calendar, particularly following a Grand Slam event like Wimbledon.
Carlos Alcaraz: Fatigue and Recovery Prioritization
Carlos Alcaraz, who reached the Wimbledon final, stated that his withdrawal from the National Bank Open was “due to the accumulation of matches and fatigue.” The young Spaniard has had a busy season, winning both the French Open and Wimbledon, and was also competing in the Paris Olympic Games at the time of the announcement. His decision aligns with a strategy to prioritize rest and ensure he is in optimal condition for the upcoming US Open.
Novak Djokovic: Groin Issue and Rest
Four-time National Bank Open champion Novak Djokovic also pulled out, citing a groin issue sustained during Wimbledon, where he reached the semifinals. Djokovic has not played in Canada since 2018, and his withdrawal further highlights the physical toll of the tour.
Jannik Sinner: Elbow Injury
Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal is due to an elbow injury. Sinner notably sustained a fall during his fourth-round match at Wimbledon but played through the pain to win the title. The injury now sidelines him from the Canadian event, despite winning the Toronto Masters 1000 event in 2023.
Impact on the Canadian Open
The absence of Alcaraz, Djokovic, and Sinner, who were among the final four at Wimbledon, is a significant blow to the Canadian Open. The tournament is a Masters 1000 event and traditionally draws the world’s top talent as players prepare for the final Grand Slam of the year. Fans and organizers alike have expressed disappointment, with some lamenting the perceived hectic scheduling on the tour.
Other players, including Jack Draper (left arm injury) and Jordan Thompson, have also withdrawn from the event, further diminishing the star power. Despite these withdrawals, the tournament aims to remain highly competitive with many of the world’s best players still in attendance.
Broader Implications for the ATP Tour Schedule
The string of high-profile withdrawals from the Canadian Open has reignited discussions about the demanding nature of the ATP Tour schedule. With the Canadian Open now extended to a 12-day event and kicking off just two weeks after the Wimbledon final, players face limited recovery time. This intensified schedule, coupled with the extended US Open, forces players to be selective about their participation to manage their physical well-being and peak for major tournaments.
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