Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic have dealt a major blow to the 2026 Canadian Open by pulling out of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Montreal. With Carlos Alcaraz already ruled out due to his wrist injury, the high-profile withdrawals have sparked frustration within the tennis community and reignited criticism of the two-week Masters 1000 format.
Tennis World Reacts to Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic Withdrawing From the Canadian Open
Sinner and Djokovic recently locked horns in a blockbuster semifinal clash at Wimbledon, with the Italian triumphing over Djokovic en route to winning his fifth Grand Slam title. Although both players were expected to kick off their North American hardcourt swing at the Canadian Open, they have opted to withdraw from the event, scheduled for August 2-13.
In a statement, Sinner expressed his disappointment but explained that the difficult decision was prompted by the need to prioritize his health.
“After carefully considering all the factors together with my team, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw from Montreal. It is never easy to miss such an important event, but we believe this is the right decision to prioritise my health. I’m disappointed not to be there, but I look forward to returning to Montreal in the future,” Sinner said.
With his withdrawal, Sinner passed up a chance to make history. Having triumphed at all five Masters 1000 events held so far in 2026, the world No. 1 was in contention to become the first player to sweep all nine Masters titles in a single season.
Djokovic, meanwhile, will continue his lengthy absence from the event. The four-time Canadian Open champion has not competed at the tournament since 2018.
With Carlos Alcaraz already absent, the loss of more top stars drew backlash from the tennis community. Tennis journalist José Morgado blamed the extended 12-day Masters 1000 format, given that the packed schedule leading into the Cincinnati Open and the US Open has made withdrawals from the Canadian Open more common.
“Sinner and Djokovic both OUT of Canada. This new M1000 format ‘killed’ one of the biggest tournaments in the world. Congrats to all the involved!” Morgado posted.
Sinner and Djokovic both OUT of Canada.
This new M1000 format ‘killed’ one of the biggest tournaments in the world.
Congrats to all the involved!
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) July 24, 2026
Fans echoed Morgado’s complaints, with many calling for a return to the one-week format and arguing that the Canadian Open has become a “joke” under the current structure.
“They have to go back to the original. This has completely killed Canada over the past 2 years. It’s made the tournament look like a pathetic joke which is pretty much is now. The entire tournament has lost almost all its credibility,” one fan commented.
“Canada and Cinci NEED to go back to 1-week, this is ridiculous,” another fan said.
One fan even questioned whether Alcaraz or Sinner would ever play the tournament again, given that they also missed the Canadian Open last year.
“Will Alcaraz or Sinner ever play Canada again??” a fan questioned.
“Not surprised. This is the 2nd year of the 12 day extended format of the Canadian tournament. It bumps it right up against Cincinnati. So if top players make the semis or finals of both, they basically don’t get any break leading up to the US Open. So Canadian fans can look forward to never seeing top players,” said another.
In a statement, tournament director Valérie Tétreault acknowledged that “adjustments are needed” to ensure the top players are in action at prestigious Masters 1000 events like the Canadian Open. She also said she was “very disappointed” by Sinner and Djokovic’s withdrawals, particularly since both players also skipped last year’s edition in Toronto.
Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic will both be back in action at the Cincinnati Open, which is set to begin on August 13. Carlos Alcaraz is also expected to make his highly anticipated return to the tour at the event after being sidelined since April due to an injury to his right wrist.
