In what was a surprising development, top ATP players Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Jack Draper have withdrawn from the upcoming Masters 1000 tournament in Toronto. All four cited physical issues, and their collective absence has taken several tennis fans aback. The Canadian Open will run from Jul. 27 to Aug. 7 at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto.
Fans React to Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Others’ Withdrawal From the Canadian Open
The shocking update comes just days after the players concluded their respective Wimbledon campaigns. While Draper suffered a first-round exit, Djokovic reached the semifinals, Alcaraz finished as runner-up, and Sinner claimed the title.
Notably, Sinner sustained a fall during his fourth-round match against Grigor Dimitrov, injuring his right elbow. He played through the pain and went on to win the tournament. But now the same injury will sideline him from the upcoming National Bank Open.
Four-time National Bank Open champion Djokovic cited a groin issue as the reason for his withdrawal this year. Meanwhile, Draper, recovering from a minor left arm injury sustained at Wimbledon, has withdrawn not only from Toronto but also won’t be available in Cincinnati, as a precaution to ensure full fitness ahead of the US Open.
But the string of high-profile withdrawals didn’t end there, as World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz also pulled out. The Spaniard had indicated after the Wimbledon final that he would do what his body permits and prioritize rest to be in the best shape for the US Open. This ultimately kept him out of the Toronto event.
Several fans reacted to the series of shocking updates. Reacting to journalist Jose Morgado’s post, a fan wrote:
“Jose, are we reaching crisis point in tennis? People are saying withdrawals. What I’m seeing is a mass walkout post Wimbledon.”
Jose, are we reaching crisis point in tennis?
People are saying withdrawals. What I’m seeing is a mass walkout post Wimbledon.
— Top 200 FPL (@top200fpl) July 20, 2025
“You might think you have abandonment issues, but they’re nothing compared to what the Toronto tournament organiser is feeling right now,” another said.
A fan lamented the perceived hectic scheduling on tour, which led to simultaneous withdrawals.
“feel like there needs to be a conversation about scheduling when you have this many top players withdrawing tbh,” they commented.
“toronto is such bad timing, so many players pull out due to Wimbledon,” another chimed in.
Here are a few more reactions from the tennis fans:
“i just know the canadian open tournament director is mad as fu*k right now,” a fan commented.
i just know the canadian open tournament director is mad as fuck right now https://t.co/6SL4YABb2v
— #SINNBLEDON (@heretoyapp) July 20, 2025
“something needs to be done about the tennis schedule,” a fan weighed in.
The Canadian Open was undoubtedly one of the key tournaments leading up to the US Open, and the absence of aforementioned players dealt a significant blow. Nevertheless, the tournament will still feature prominent names such as Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Lorenzo Musetti, and Holger Rune at the forefront.
Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner Are Likely To Appear at the 2025 Cincinnati Open
The Road to the US Open is underway, and the early absence of several top players has already sparked concerns. However, Djokovic, Alcaraz, and Sinner are expected to compete at the Cincinnati Masters, one of the key lead-up events to the US Open. The tournament will be held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, from Aug. 7 to 18, 2025.
Djokovic will undoubtedly be one of the favorites at the tournament, given his familiarity with the conditions and his three previous titles in 2018, 2020, and 2023. Sinner will also be a strong contender, having already claimed two Grand Slam titles this year and entering the event as the defending champion.
Jannik Sinner crushing a forehand down the line against Frances Tiafoe in the Cincinnati final.
Few people can make smacking a tennis ball look so graceful.
Clean as a whistle.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 19, 2024
Alcaraz’s best result at the tournament came in 2023, when he finished runner-up to Djokovic in a thrilling final.
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