Canadian Open organisers raise concerns over late pullouts after Sinner, Djokovic withdraw
Absence of top players from ATP 1000 events, especially at this stage of season, has become broader issue for tennis, says event’s director
The Canadian Open expressed disappointment over the withdrawals of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic from next week’s tournament in Montreal, saying the recurring absence of top players from ATP 1000 events had become a broader issue for the sport.
While end-of-season tournaments in Asia are regularly hit by players pulling out at the last minute, the high-profile absences at this stage are something of a surprise.
Sinner withdrew on Friday to prioritise his health almost two weeks after retaining his Wimbledon title, while 24-time grand slam winner Djokovic continued to manage his workload, leaving the US Open tune-up short of star power.
With Carlos Alcaraz still nursing a wrist injury that has kept him out since April, the August 1-13 tournament will again be without three of the sport’s top names after Alcaraz, Sinner and Djokovic also missed last year’s edition in Toronto.
“We are obviously very disappointed that Jannik and Novak won’t be joining us in Montreal this year, especially after they also withdrew from last year’s tournament in Toronto,” said the event’s tournament director, Valerie Tetreault.
“We respect their decisions and understand that, with such a demanding schedule, players’ health must remain the priority.