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Reuters

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.
“That said, we believe the frequency of these last-minute withdrawals in the past few years raises a broader issue for our sport. Masters ⁠1000 events are among the flagship tournaments on the tour, and fans rightfully expect to see the world’s best compete.”
Tetreault added in her statement to ‌the Canadian media that organisers were in discussions with men’s governing body, the ATP, to ensure that the issue would receive “serious consideration” going forward.
“We firmly believe adjustments are needed in the near future to better protect the integrity ‌of our Masters 1000 events while remaining mindful of the realities players face,” she said.
The ATP did not immediately respond to ⁠a request for comment outside ⁠regular business hours.
Criticism over long seasons
Sinner’s pull-out from Montreal was particularly noteworthy given the world No 1 had the chance to claim all nine ATP 1000 titles in a single ‌season, having won the first five at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome.
The withdrawal also brought fresh focus to a packed schedule some players believe has become too demanding, with world ‌No 2 ‌Alexander Zverev among those critical of the expanded 12-day format used at seven ATP 1000 events.
More broadly, the men’s and women’s circuits have faced ‌criticism because of their 11-month seasons, and both the tours came under fresh scrutiny during last year’s “Asian swing” of events when extreme heat and humidity ⁠led to injuries and withdrawals.
Concerns about player availability extend beyond the ATP Tour, with top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek among the leading women ⁠to skip this year’s Dubai Championships as they balanced their schedules and recovery needs.

ATP chairman Andrea Gaudenzi defended the crowded calendar last year, saying scheduling remains the players’ choice and the tour was working to set clear incentives so the right number of matches ‌are played across the season.
The WTA said previously that athlete welfare was a top priority and it listened to views on the calendar, through the players’ council and representatives on the WTA board, to improve the circuit structure in 2024 and boost compensation.
Sinner and Djokovic are expected to return to action at the Cincinnati Open next month, with defending champion Alcaraz also on the entry list, as they ramp up preparations for the year’s final grand slam beginning in New York on August 30.


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ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals)

Canadian Open organisers raise concerns over late pullouts after Sinner, Djokovic withdraw

Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal from Montreal was noteworthy, given the world No 1 had chance to claim all nine ATP 1000 titles in a single ‌season, having won the first five. Photo: Xinhua

Multiple grand slam winner Novak Djokovic withdrew to manage his workload. Photo: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images

Iga Swiatek is one of the leading women ⁠skipping tournaments as they balance their schedules. Photo: Xinhua

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Ma Long (right) and Xu Xin  won the men’s doubles title by defeating Xiang Peng and Huang Youzheng in straight games. Photo: Xinhua

Deng Yaping posted messages congratulating the three pairs of doubles winners. Photo: Weibo/Deng Yaping

Deng Yaping won gold medals in singles and doubles in Barcelona 1992 (above) and at Atlanta 1996. Photo: SCMPOST

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Sport

Tennis

Absence ⁠of top players from ATP 1000 events, especially at this stage of season, has become ⁠broader issue for tennis, says event’s director


Absence ⁠of top players from ATP 1000 events, especially at this stage of season, has become ⁠broader issue for tennis, says event’s director.


Canadian Open organisers raise concerns over late pullouts after Sinner, Djokovic withdraw

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Absence ⁠of top players from ATP 1000 events, especially at this stage of season, has become ⁠broader issue for tennis, says event’s director

Absence ⁠of top players from ATP 1000 events, especially at this stage of season, has become ⁠broader issue for tennis, says event’s director