Sinner and Djokovic pull out of Canadian Open as schedule debate intensifies

Top men's players withdraw from Canadian Open

Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic have both pulled out of the Canadian Open, a Masters 1000 event scheduled for 2-13 August in Montreal, according to reporting from 25 July 2026. Sinner, who won the Wimbledon title this month by beating Alexander Zverev in the final and Djokovic in the semi-finals, said he withdrew to prioritise his health. Carlos Alcaraz will also be absent as he continues his recovery from a wrist injury that has kept him out of competition since April.

Tournament director calls for schedule changes

Canadian Open tournament director Valerie Tetreault expressed disappointment while emphasising player health, and said the frequency of late withdrawals points to a broader issue for the sport. Tetreault noted that Sinner and Djokovic also withdrew from last year's tournament in Toronto, and said the Canadian Open is in discussions with the ATP about ensuring the matter receives serious consideration. Seven of the existing nine Masters 1000 events — the highest tier below the Grand Slams — are now staged over 12 days.

A growing pattern of late pullouts across the tour

The Canadian Open sits between the Cincinnati Open, another Masters 1000 event, and the US Open, which begins on 30 August, leaving little recovery time for elite players. Britain's Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu recently withdrew from Wimbledon on the eve of their home Grand Slam because of injury, with Draper describing the rate of injuries among leading players as "pretty worrying." In September 2024, Alcaraz commented about the congested calendar: "They are going to kill us in some way." Earlier in 2026, women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek pulled out of the Dubai Championships, a WTA 1000 event, two days before it started, prompting Dubai tournament director Salah Tahlak to suggest that late withdrawals should be docked points.

College tennis leadership moves

In NCAA news, Drake University announced on 24 July 2026 that women's tennis head coach Song has resigned, with Stuckey tapped to lead both the men's and women's programs. Separately, UNC Wilmington athletics said it has hired Chris Bizot as head women's tennis coach, also on 24 July 2026.

Sources: - BBC Sport — Schedule changes called for after Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic withdraw from Canadian Open (25 July 2026) - Drake University Athletics — Song Resigns as Women's Tennis Head Coach, Stuckey Tapped to Lead Both Teams (24 July 2026) - UNC Wilmington Athletics — UNCW Athletics Hires Chris Bizot As Head Women's Tennis Coach (24 July 2026)