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2w ago

Sinner and Djokovic Withdraw From Montreal Masters, Leaving Tournament Without Its Top Stars

Organisers say the late pullouts highlight player workload problems and have opened talks with the ATP about changing the Masters 1000 format or schedule.

Italy's Jannik Sinner and Serbia's Novak Djokovic have both withdrawn from the Montreal Masters
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File Photo: Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 31, 2026 Fans of Serbia's Novak Djokovic during his semi final match against Italy's Jannik Sinner REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo/File Photo
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Overview

  • Tennis Canada confirmed on Friday that world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic have pulled out of the National Bank Open in Montreal, which runs August 1–13.
  • Sinner said he withdrew to prioritise his health and Djokovic cited ongoing workload management, while Carlos Alcaraz was already absent because of a right wrist injury.
  • Their exits change the field and seedings, with Alexander Zverev now expected to be the tournament’s top seed and Félix Auger-Aliassime the No. 2 seed.
  • Organisers have publicly expressed frustration at repeated late withdrawals, linked the pattern to the expanded 12-day Masters format and a crowded calendar, and said they are in discussions with the ATP about near-term adjustments.
  • The loss of three marquee players for a second straight year in the Canadian swing raises immediate concerns for fans and revenue and could push more top players to prioritise Cincinnati or rest before the US Open if the calendar is not changed.