Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Jack Draper withdraw from the Toronto Masters 1000 due to injuries, paving the way for Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev to lead the title race in the tournament, set for July 27 to August 7 at Sobeys Stadium. The event, featuring a new 12-day format and a 96-player draw, is impacted by the absence of three of the world’s top tennis stars, who are prioritizing recovery for the US Open. Sinner, the current world number 1, injured his right elbow at Wimbledon, while Djokovic, with 24 Grand Slam titles, is dealing with hip issues. Draper, ranked number 5, will be sidelined until the US Open due to a left arm injury. The tournament, a staple in the ATP calendar, promises to be a highlight of the hard-court season.
The decision by the three players reflects the physical demands of the professional circuit, particularly after the grueling grass season. Sinner, who won the Toronto Masters 1000 in 2023, emphasized the importance of preserving his health for the rest of the year. “Winning in Toronto two years ago was a special moment, but after discussions with my team, I decided to focus on recovery,” said the Italian. Djokovic, a four-time champion of the event, also chose to rest after a taxing Wimbledon campaign, where he lost to Sinner in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Draper, who will also miss Cincinnati, aims to be fully fit for the season’s final Grand Slam.
The tournament’s new format, now spanning 12 days with a larger draw, has sparked debates in the tennis world. The extended schedule, designed to offer more matches and opportunities, also increases the physical toll on players, which may have influenced the withdrawals. Despite this, the event boasts a strong lineup, featuring names like Alcaraz, Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Lorenzo Musetti, and Canadian players Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov.
Reasons behind the withdrawals
The absence of Sinner, Djokovic, and Draper from the Toronto Masters 1000 is directly tied to injuries sustained during the grass season. Each player faces specific challenges impacting their preparation for the hard-court swing.
- Jannik Sinner: Injured his right elbow in a fall during the fourth round at Wimbledon, where he won his first title there. Though not severe, the injury requires rest to avoid complications later in the season.
- Novak Djokovic: The 38-year-old Serbian reported a hip injury that has lingered since Wimbledon. With a history of four Toronto titles, he is prioritizing the US Open.
- Jack Draper: The British world number 5 suffered a left arm injury post-Wimbledon. He will also skip the Cincinnati Masters 1000, returning only for the US Open on August 24.
- Tournament impact: The withdrawals allow players like Roberto Carballés Baena, Sebastian Ofner, Roman Safiullin, and Aleksandar Kovacevic to enter the main draw directly.
The choice to prioritize recovery reflects a growing trend in modern tennis, where players must balance tournament participation with physical health. The tight schedule, with two-week events like the Toronto Masters 1000, has faced criticism for increasing player fatigue.
New tournament format sparks discussion
The Toronto Masters 1000, officially named the National Bank Open, adopts an expanded format in 2025, with 12 days and a 96-player draw, a first in the tournament’s history. The change aims to provide more opportunities for lower-ranked players but has raised concerns about the sustainability of the tennis calendar.
The extended event, now aligned with other two-week tournaments like Indian Wells and Miami, increases match volume and fan engagement. However, the added physical strain may be contributing to decisions like those of Sinner, Djokovic, and Draper. Recent social media posts highlight criticism from fans and analysts, who argue the extended format risks depleting top-tier tournaments by sidelining major stars.
Despite this, tournament organizers remain optimistic. “We’re thrilled with the new structure, which allows more matches and greater fan involvement,” said Karl Hale, tournament director. The event will also feature a strong Canadian presence, with Felix Auger-Aliassime, Denis Shapovalov, and Gabriel Diallo in the main draw, all ranked among the top 40 globally.
Favorites take center stage
With three of the top six players out, Carlos Alcaraz, ranked world number 2, emerges as the top favorite for the title. The Spaniard, seeking his first Toronto trophy, comes off a Wimbledon final loss to Sinner. Alexander Zverev, the 2017 champion, also gains prominence as the second seed. Other names, like Taylor Fritz, Lorenzo Musetti, and Holger Rune, are set to intensify the competition.
- Carlos Alcaraz: With five Grand Slam titles and seven Masters 1000 trophies, the Spaniard is known for his versatility and charisma, drawing significant fan attention.
- Alexander Zverev: The German, world number 3, has a strong hard-court record and aims to repeat his 2017 success.
- Taylor Fritz: The American, ranked number 7, is a threat on fast surfaces and could surprise after recent strong performances.
- Local players: Auger-Aliassime and Shapovalov, boosted by home support, have the potential to advance deep in the tournament.
The remaining field ensures the tournament remains compelling, though the absence of Sinner, Djokovic, and Draper dims the star power of an event known for attracting tennis’s biggest names.
US Open preparation in question
The Toronto Masters 1000 withdrawals have direct implications for the players’ US Open preparations, the final Grand Slam of the year, starting August 24. For Draper, missing both Toronto and Cincinnati means arriving in New York without competitive hard-court matches, potentially affecting his performance. Sinner and Djokovic, however, are expected to return in Cincinnati, from August 7 to 18, a key tune-up event before the major.
The 2024 US Open saw Sinner claim the title, defeating Taylor Fritz in the final, while Djokovic fell in the third round to Alexei Popyrin. The 2025 edition promises fierce competition, with players like Alcaraz and Zverev aiming to reclaim the spotlight. The decision to prioritize recovery now may prove strategic for Sinner and Djokovic, who seek peak physical condition for the US Open.
- Recent history: Sinner won the 2024 US Open, cementing his world number 1 status.
- Challenges for Draper: Without preparatory matches, the Brit faces pressure to adapt quickly to New York’s hard courts.
- Alcaraz’s expectations: After a second-round exit at the 2024 US Open, the Spaniard seeks redemption following a mixed season.
The North American hard-court swing is a critical test for players, and the choices made by Sinner, Djokovic, and Draper highlight the need to balance competition and health.
Circuit impact and fan expectations
The absence of three stars in the Toronto Masters 1000 reignites debates about the professional tennis calendar. The introduction of extended formats, like the 12-day schedule, has divided opinions. While some argue it democratizes access to high-level tournaments, others believe it overburdens players, leading to withdrawals like those announced.
Fans have voiced disappointment on social media, lamenting the lack of anticipated matchups, such as a potential Sinner-Djokovic rematch. However, the presence of Alcaraz, Zverev, and local players keeps the event a seasonal highlight. Organizers are banking on a vibrant atmosphere at Sobeys Stadium, with sold-out main sessions and strong Canadian fan support.
- Fan reactions: Many expressed frustration over the withdrawals but highlighted the potential for new champions to emerge.
- Local support: Auger-Aliassime and Shapovalov are seen as hopes for a strong home performance.
- Broadcast: The tournament will be globally televised, with live coverage on sports channels and streaming platforms.
The Toronto Masters 1000, despite the absences, remains a pivotal event in the season, kicking off the US Open buildup and offering opportunities for new standout performances in the ATP circuit.