The 2025 Canadian Open is facing a significant shakeup as four of the top six men's seeds have withdrawn from the tournament, including world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard announced on Monday, July 21, 2025, that he would not be competing in Toronto due to "small muscle issues" and the need to recover physically and mentally after a grueling start to the tennis season.
Alcaraz took to social media to share his decision with fans, writing, "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. To the tournament and to my fans in Canada I am very sorry, I will see you next year!" This announcement marks a notable absence for the ATP Masters 1000 event, officially known as the National Bank Open presented by Rogers, which is one of the most prestigious tournaments just below the Grand Slam level.
The withdrawal of Alcaraz follows similar decisions by other top players. Just a day earlier, the tournament confirmed that No. 1 ranked Jannik Sinner and No. 6 Novak Djokovic would also be missing the competition, citing injuries and the need for rest. Additionally, British No. 5 Jack Draper will be sidelined with an arm injury. This quartet of withdrawals significantly alters the competitive landscape of the Canadian Open, leaving a vacuum at the top of the men's singles draw.
Sinner, who recently claimed his first Wimbledon title by defeating Alcaraz in a thrilling final, has prioritized his health as he prepares for the demanding North American hard-court swing. Djokovic, dealing with a groin injury sustained during his run to the Wimbledon semi-finals, and Draper, nursing an arm injury that will also keep him out of the Cincinnati Open, are both focusing on recovery ahead of the upcoming US Open.
Alcaraz’s 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular, though taxing. The 22-year-old Spaniard captured his first French Open title, triumphed at the Italian Open and Queen’s Club, and maintained an impressive 48-6 win-loss record this season. His 24-match winning streak was snapped only by Sinner at Wimbledon earlier this month. The intense schedule has evidently taken a toll, compelling him to step back from Toronto to regain his strength and focus.
With the absence of these top contenders, the spotlight in Toronto shifts to other high-ranked players. No. 3 Alexander Zverev, who won the Canadian Open back in 2017, is poised to lead the field alongside No. 4 Taylor Fritz, who is yet to advance past the third round in this tournament. Also in the mix are No. 7 Lorenzo Musetti and No. 9 Holger Rune, both eager to capitalize on the opportunity created by the withdrawals.
Canadian tennis fans will be looking closely at their homegrown stars as well. Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime, ranked No. 27 and No. 28 respectively, will be aiming to make a deep run and perhaps seize the trophy on home soil. Their performances could ignite the tournament and provide thrilling moments for the local crowd.
The National Bank Open, scheduled to begin on Sunday, July 27, 2025, and run through Thursday, August 7, 2025, has been expanded to a 12-day event this year. It serves as a crucial warm-up for the US Open, which starts on August 24, 2025. The tournament traditionally attracts the world’s best players, but it's not uncommon for athletes to skip it to manage their health and peak for the Grand Slam season.
Alcaraz’s decision underscores the physical demands placed on top tennis professionals as they navigate a packed calendar filled with high-stakes tournaments. His need for recovery highlights the importance of balancing competition with rest to sustain peak performance throughout the year.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the reshuffled player field affects the dynamics of the Canadian Open. With the top seeds absent, the tournament could open up for emerging stars and seasoned contenders alike to make their mark. The battle for the title in Toronto promises to be unpredictable and exciting, with plenty of opportunity for surprises.
As the tennis world prepares for the upcoming North American hard-court season, the withdrawals of Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic, and Draper serve as a reminder of the sport’s physical toll. Their focus now turns to recovery and preparation for the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year, where all eyes will be on who can maintain their form and who will rise to the occasion.
While the Canadian Open will miss some of its brightest stars this year, the tournament remains a prestigious event with a rich history and a competitive field eager to seize the moment. Fans in Toronto and around the world can look forward to compelling matches and a showcase of top-tier tennis talent as the ATP Masters 1000 event unfolds over the next couple of weeks.
