Canadian Open tournament director Valerie Tetreault has called for urgent changes to the ATP calendar after world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic withdrew from the Masters 1000 event, citing health and scheduling concerns.
Sinner, who won Wimbledon earlier this month, pulled out to prioritize his physical well-being, while Djokovic also declined to play the tournament, running Aug. 2–13 in Montreal. Carlos Alcaraz remains absent as he recovers from a wrist injury sustained in April.
“We respect their decisions, but the frequency of these last-minute withdrawals in recent years raises a broader issue,” Tetreault said. “Masters 1000 events are flagship tournaments, and fans expect to see the best. We are already in discussions with the ATP to ensure this matter receives serious consideration.”
Seven of nine Masters 1000 events now span 12 days, adding to an 11-month season that has drawn criticism from players. Britain’s Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu withdrew from Wimbledon with injuries, and Alcaraz warned in September 2024: “They are going to kill us in some way.”
Tetreault added: “We firmly believe adjustments are needed in the near future to better protect the integrity of our events while remaining mindful of players’ realities.”
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