Canadian Open 2025: Why did Alcaraz, Sinner, and Djokovic withdraw from the tournament this year?

The tennis world was taken by surprise on Sunday when three of the ATP circuit’s top players, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic, announced their withdrawal from the Canadian Open 2025. The trio made their decision public, citing their absence from the tournament scheduled for the end of July.

The Canadian Open is traditionally a pivotal event for ATP players seeking to amass valuable ranking points. However, for Alcaraz, Sinner, and Djokovic, the immediate focus appears to be on preparing for future titles and managing their physical and mental resources wisely as they look ahead to subsequent events on the circuit.

Wimbledon proved to be a grueling tournament for many competitors. The British weather and the high level of play exhibited throughout the event provide context for fans questioning why three of the four Wimbledon finalists have opted out of the Toronto competition this year.

Why Alcaraz, Djokovic and Sinner withdrew from the tournament?

According to a report by Marca, Alcaraz’s withdrawal is influenced by his strategic view of the upcoming calendar, with the Cincinnati Open and the US Open looming large. Similarly, Djokovic and Sinner have chosen to rest, acknowledging the significant demands of their remarkable performances at Wimbledon and the challenges that lie ahead.

The landscape without Alcaraz, Sinner, and Djokovic in Toronto

The Toronto tournament will proceed without three of the ATP circuit’s perennial favorites. This absence paves the way for potential new title contenders to emerge. Among the top candidates is Alexander Zverev, who could seize this opportunity to claim a title as the top seed in their absence.

Following his candid remarks about mental health concerns during Wimbledon, the German’s potential to deliver a standout performance is under spotlight, especially as he assumes the position of number one seed due to the withdrawals of Sinner and Alcaraz. Notable players such as Taylor Fritz and Lorenzo Musetti are also slated to compete in Toronto, adding further intrigue to the lineup.

Alcaraz reportedly eyes the world No. 1 ranking

With Sinner opting out of the Canadian Open 2025 to focus on competitions in the United States, Alcaraz is closely monitoring Sinner’s next moves as he also targets the world No. 1 position. The Spaniard’s keen interest in the Cincinnati Masters and the US Open suggests he is positioning himself for a strong finish to the season, potentially reaching the coveted top spot.

As reported by Marca, Alcaraz will trail Sinner by a mere 50 points in the world rankings following their absences at the Canadian Open. This narrow gap presents a promising opportunity for Alcaraz to claim the number one ranking, provided he outperforms his rivals in the upcoming Cincinnati Masters and US Open tournaments.