The tennis world is witnessing a significant shakeup as several top stars, including Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Jack Draper, have announced their withdrawals from the upcoming Toronto Masters tournament. This string of pullouts has left fans and analysts alike wondering how the absence of these high-profile players will impact the hard-court event set to begin later this month.
Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spanish sensation and holder of five Grand Slam titles, officially confirmed his decision to skip the tournament on July 21, 2025. His withdrawal comes just days after fellow tennis elites Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Jack Draper pulled out on July 20. Alcaraz cited the need for recovery following a grueling season and a recent runner-up finish at Wimbledon, where he fell to Sinner in the final on July 13.
“After many consecutive weeks of competition without rest, I will not be able to play in Toronto this year. I have small muscle issues and I need to recover physically and mentally for what comes next,” Alcaraz shared in a statement posted on X. He added a note of regret for his Canadian fans, saying, “To the tournament and to my fans in Canada I am very sorry, I will see you next year!”
This decision was influenced by advice from former Spanish tennis ace Alex Corretja, who urged Alcaraz to prioritize his health over the potential $1.1 million prize money at stake. Corretja, 51, expressed his concerns on the program 'Carrusel Canalla,' emphasizing the importance of recuperation after such an intense stretch of play. “I never interfere in the schedule my great friend Juan Carlos Ferrero decides with Carlos Alcaraz, but I just hope he doesn't go to Toronto. I say this with all the affection and respect for the Canadian tournament. But I think Alcaraz would need to recover from all these efforts now,” Corretja said.
The timing of the Canadian Open has been a significant factor in these withdrawals. This year, the tournament features a 96-player draw and an extended 12-day schedule, starting as early as the weekend of July 26-27 and concluding on August 7. The event kicks off just two weeks after the conclusion of Wimbledon, creating a tight turnaround for players who have just competed at the prestigious grass-court Grand Slam.
Jannik Sinner, currently ranked number one in the world, pulled out due to a right elbow injury sustained during a fall in the fourth round of Wimbledon. Sinner's injury forced him to prioritize recovery despite his recent triumph at the All England Club, where he secured his first Wimbledon title and fourth Grand Slam trophy overall. Sinner also holds a special connection to the Toronto Masters, having won his first Masters 1000 title there in 2023. Reflecting on his decision, Sinner said, “Winning that title in Toronto two years ago was the start of a really special moment for me, but after speaking with my team, I have to recover.”
Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion and four-time winner of the Toronto Masters, also withdrew due to a groin injury. Djokovic, ranked sixth globally, lost to Sinner in the Wimbledon semi-finals and has not competed in Canada since 2018. His absence marks a significant gap in the tournament’s competitive field.
Jack Draper, ranked fifth, will miss both the Toronto Masters and the Cincinnati Masters next month because of a left arm injury. Draper revealed on social media, “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. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to compete in Toronto and Cincinnati…. See you in NYC!” This means Draper will have no hard-court tuneup before the US Open, which begins on August 24, 2025.
Adding to the list of withdrawals is Australian player Jordan Thompson, who, along with the others, has opted out of the Canadian Open. On the women's side in Montreal, world number one Aryna Sabalenka has also withdrawn following her run to the Wimbledon semi-finals, further highlighting the physical toll of recent Grand Slam play.
The cumulative effect of these absences is reshaping expectations for the Canadian Open, one of the most prominent events on the tennis calendar. With the top seeds stepping back, the tournament opens the door for emerging players and less heralded competitors to make a mark on the hard courts. The extended 12-day format, a departure from the usual seven-day schedule, was designed to accommodate a larger draw but has inadvertently contributed to player fatigue and withdrawals.
For Alcaraz, the decision to skip Toronto is a strategic move focused on longevity and peak performance in the demanding months ahead. His statement underscores a broader trend among elite tennis players balancing the rigors of a packed season with the necessity of rest and recovery. As he recovers from what has been a “demanding season,” Alcaraz’s choice reflects a maturity beyond his years, prioritizing health over immediate financial gain.
This cautious approach is echoed by Sinner, Djokovic, and Draper, all of whom are managing injuries and physical strain following Wimbledon. Their withdrawals, while disappointing for fans eager to see top-tier competition, demonstrate the high stakes of professional tennis and the importance of maintaining fitness for the grueling tour schedule.
With the Toronto Masters set to begin soon, the tennis world will be watching closely to see how the tournament unfolds without some of its brightest stars. The absence of Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic, and Draper creates a unique competitive landscape, potentially paving the way for new storylines and breakthrough performances. Fans can expect a fresh dynamic as players vie for the title amid this evolving field.
While the withdrawals are a blow to the tournament’s star power, they also highlight the relentless demands of modern tennis and the delicate balance players must strike between competition and recovery. As the season progresses toward the US Open, the decisions made in Toronto will undoubtedly influence the shape of the sport’s next major battles.
In the meantime, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Jack Draper are focused on healing and preparation, aiming to return stronger for the challenges ahead. Their current absences serve as a reminder that even the game’s greatest talents must sometimes step back to preserve their futures on the court.
