Carlos Alcaraz has confirmed his withdrawal from the 2025 Canadian Open and outlined the reason for his decision.
The ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Toronto will begin on July 27 — just two weeks after Alcaraz‘s four-set loss to world No 1 Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon final.
In a post on X, Alcaraz wrote: “After many consecutive weeks of competition without rest, I will not be able to play in Toronto this year.
“I have small muscles issues and I need to recover physically and mentally for what comes next. To the tournament and to my fans in Canada I am very sorry, I will see you next year!”
The world No 2 also missed the 2024 Canadian Open in Montreal, which was played directly after the Paris Olympics.
This year’s Canadian Open will be the first edition of the event held over the two-week (12 day), 96-player format that the ATP Tour has implemented at seven of the nine Masters tournaments.
Prior to the changes, seven of the nine Masters tournaments were played over a single week and featured 56-player singles draws.
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Alcaraz is one of several high-profile players who has criticised the expanded Masters 1000 format.
In April, the Spaniard said: “The one week ones are better. Some will think that in two weeks there are days of rest, but that is not the case.
“You train, you have to mentally prepare for the game, prepare for it… you’re not resting, really. It’s two full weeks. That’s why I prefer the one-week Masters 1000. For me, it’s better for tennis.”
Alcaraz’s withdrawal means four of the top six players in the world will be absent from the event after Sinner, Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper also pulled out.
In a statement, Sinner said: “I’m really disappointed to be missing the National Bank Open in Toronto, especially as I have such fond memories of playing in Canada.
“Winning that title in Toronto two years ago was the start of a really special moment for me, but after speaking with my team, I have to prioritise my health.
“I would like to thank Karl Hale, the Tournament Director, for everything he does and I’m looking forward to returning to Canada and Toronto in the future to play in front of the great fans.”
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The post Carlos Alcaraz apologises to fans as he reveals reason for key schedule decision appeared first on Tennis365.
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