Canadian Open faces more changes as top-20 players Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz pull out
Another top player from the ATP’s top 20 has pulled out of the Canadian Open, joining Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz who already withdrew.
Alcaraz had to skip the tournament as he’s still healing from a wrist injury he got at the Barcelona Open back in April. The 23-year-old, who also missed last year’s event, is aiming to come back at the Cincinnati Open on August 13.
For Sinner, who just won Wimbledon twice in a row, it wasn’t a big surprise that he pulled out. He needed rest after a tough schedule leading up to the Cincinnati Masters.
“After thinking it over with my team, we decided it was best to withdraw from Montreal,” the five-time Grand Slam winner said on July 24.
“It’s hard to miss such a big event, but health comes first. I’m sad not to be there, but I hope to return to Montreal soon.”
It’s pretty normal for top players to skip the Masters 1000 event right after Wimbledon. Novak Djokovic, for example, hasn’t played in Montreal since 2018. Tournament director Valerie Tetreault said they’re disappointed that no multiple Grand Slam winners will be at this year’s event.
“We’re sad Jannik and Novak won’t be joining us again, especially after missing last year too,” Tetreault said. “But we understand the players need to take care of their health with such a tough schedule.”
Recently, world No. 11 Alexander Bublik also confirmed he won’t play because it’s his son’s birthday.
“For the last four years, I’ve chosen family over the Masters. My son’s birthday is too important to miss,” Bublik explained.
Bublik is expected to play next at the US Open starting August 25, though he’s had a tough time there in the past, often losing early. His best run was reaching the fourth round last year. He’s one of the bigger names missing from the Canada Open, alongside six other ATP stars.
On the women’s side, Wimbledon finalist Karolina Muchova said she won’t compete either, after having a minor surgery following her time on the grass courts. She’s joined by 2021 US Open champ Emma Raducanu, and Victoria Mboko and Hailey Baptiste, both sidelined by serious knee injuries earlier this year.
Mboko’s withdrawal is especially disappointing since this is one of her home tournaments and she made a big name for herself by winning it in 2025.