Canadian Open director calls for schedule changes after Sinner, Djokovic withdrawals
10 reported
The tournament director of the Canadian Open has called for changes to the tennis schedule after Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic withdrew from the Masters 1000 event in Montreal. Sinner, who won the Wimbledon title this month, said he withdrew to prioritize his health. Carlos Alcaraz will also be absent as he continues recovery from a wrist injury. Tournament director Valerie Tetreault expressed disappointment, noting both players also withdrew from last year’s tournament. She stated that the frequency of last-minute withdrawals raises a broader issue for the sport and that discussions with the ATP are underway. The Canadian Open takes place before the Cincinnati Open and the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year. Seven of nine Masters 1000 events are now staged over 12 days, and concerns about the congested tennis calendar have been regularly voiced.
What’s reported
Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic withdrew from the Canadian Open, a Masters 1000 event in Montreal from 2-13 August.
Sinner beat Alexander Zverev to win Wimbledon this month and withdrew to prioritize his health.
Carlos Alcaraz is also absent, continuing recovery from a wrist injury that has kept him out since April.
Tournament director Valerie Tetreault said both players also withdrew from last year’s tournament in Toronto.
Tetreault stated the frequency of last-minute withdrawals raises a broader issue and that discussions with the ATP are happening.
The Canadian Open is held before the Cincinnati Open and the US Open, which starts 30 August.
Seven of nine Masters 1000 events are now staged over 12 days, and concerns about the congested calendar have been regularly voiced.
Britain’s Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu recently pulled out of Wimbledon on the eve of the tournament due to injury.
In September 2024, Alcaraz said: “They are going to kill us in some way.”
Earlier this year, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek pulled out of the Dubai Championships two days before it started; tournament director Salah Tahlak said players making late withdrawals should be docked points.
Key figures
Valerie Tetreault, tournament director of the Canadian Open
Jannik Sinner, tennis player
Novak Djokovic, tennis player
Carlos Alcaraz, tennis player
Alexander Zverev, tennis player
Jack Draper, British tennis player
Emma Raducanu, British tennis player
Aryna Sabalenka, women’s world number one
Iga Swiatek, tennis player
Salah Tahlak, tournament director of the Dubai Championships
Sources: BBC News
