The spotlight now turns to Carlos Alcaraz as two of the world’s top tennis stars—Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic—have officially withdrawn from the 2025 Canadian Open due to injuries sustained during Wimbledon. The Canadian Masters, also known as the National Bank Open, is set to begin on July 26 and will now miss several high-profile names, including British No. 1 Jack Draper, who pulled out due to an arm injury. Draper remains hopeful about recovering in time for the upcoming US Open.
Jannik Sinner, the 2025 Wimbledon champion, cited an elbow injury as the reason for skipping the Toronto-based Masters 1000 event. “I’m really disappointed to be missing the National Bank Open in Toronto, especially as I have such fond memories of playing in Canada,” said Sinner. He fondly recalled his 2023 victory in Toronto and expressed gratitude toward the tournament organizers and fans. He emphasized the need to prioritize his health as he eyes a return in future editions.
The packed tennis calendar is starting to take a toll on top players, with Wimbledon concluding just two weeks prior to the Canadian Open. This condensed schedule has led to the absence of major contenders like Sinner, Djokovic, and Draper. According to reports from Spanish outlet MARCA, even Carlos Alcaraz might skip the event as he considers rest ahead of the US Open, although no official confirmation has been made. Alcaraz has stated that he will listen to his body and focus on peaking at the right time for the season’s final Grand Slam.
Alcaraz has already committed to playing in the Cincinnati Masters from August 7 to 18, where he will be coached by Samuel López. He’ll rejoin Juan Carlos Ferrero during the US Open. With only 60 ATP points to defend across the American hard-court swing, Alcaraz has a significant opportunity to close the points gap with Jannik Sinner, who could lose up to 3,000 points by missing out on Canada, Cincinnati, and failing to defend his US Open title.
This year marks the second time Alcaraz will miss a Masters 1000 event, having already withdrawn from the Madrid Open due to a muscle injury. He also skipped the Canadian tournament last year because of its proximity to the Paris Olympics. His last appearance in Canada came in 2023, where he reached the quarterfinals before falling to Tommy Paul.
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic confirmed that he won’t play in either Toronto or Cincinnati, following a left arm injury sustained during an awkward fall in his Wimbledon quarterfinal match against Flavio Cobolli. The 24-time Grand Slam champion emphasized that while the injury isn’t serious, he needs adequate recovery time to be ready for the US Open. This is the seventh time Djokovic will miss the Canadian Masters, with his last appearance dating back to 2022.
“After Wimbledon, I picked up an injury in my left arm, nothing serious, but I have to make sure it recovers fully for the rest of the season,” Djokovic said. “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to compete in Toronto and Cincinnati. See you in NYC.”
With major contenders out, the Canadian Open now becomes a key opportunity for rising stars and seasoned players to make their mark while the tennis world keeps a close watch on Carlos Alcaraz and his preparation for the final Grand Slam of the year.