Canada Masters director airs grievances with ATP after Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic withdraw 1 week before tournament

The National Bank Open in Montreal faces a major hurdle this year as top-tier talent continues to withdraw from the event. Tournament director Valerie Tetreault confirmed that both Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic have pulled out of the field just one week before the matches begin. This marks the second year in a row that high-profile players have skipped the tournament, leaving organizers with empty brackets and frustrated fans.

Sinner, who recently defended his title at Wimbledon, opted out to prioritize his physical recovery. His absence also ends his bid for a historic clean sweep of all Masters 1000 titles this season. Djokovic, who maintains a limited schedule at age 38, is also absent from the lineup. Carlos Alcaraz was already confirmed out of the competition due to a wrist injury, meaning the three most recognizable figures in men's tennis are missing from this mandatory event.

Tetreault spoke out against the frequency of these late-stage withdrawals, noting that the status of Masters 1000 events depends on the participation of the sport's top players. She is now in direct talks with the ATP to address the issue. The goal is to find a balance that protects the integrity of these major tournaments while acknowledging the intense demands placed on modern athletes.

The tennis calendar remains packed with events, making the transition from the grass courts of Wimbledon to the hard courts of North America difficult for the top of the tour. The Canada Masters now relies on other talent like Alexander Zverev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Ben Shelton to carry the tournament. While the ATP recognizes the strain on its players, the recurring nature of these absences remains a significant point of contention for local organizers.