The Canadian Open in Toronto faces another significant blow as Carlos Alcaraz becomes the third major star to pull out of the tournament beginning 27 July.
The Spanish world No2 follows withdrawals from Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, leaving the Masters 1000 event without tennis's most prominent names.
Alcaraz confirmed his decision on Tuesday, citing physical concerns and exhaustion following an intense competitive period.
"After many consecutive weeks of competition without rest, I will not be able to play in Toronto this year," the 22-year-old posted on X.
Reuters
|Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz played in both the French Open and Wimbledon finals in recent weeks
"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," Alcaraz added.
The five-time Grand Slam champion specifically mentioned "small muscle issues" requiring both physical and mental recuperation.
The Spaniard's withdrawal follows an exhausting period that saw him compete in both the French Open and Wimbledon finals against Sinner.
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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…
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) July 21, 2025
The tournament's timing creates particular challenges, commencing merely a fortnight after Wimbledon's conclusion. Additionally, this year's expanded format spans 12 days rather than seven, featuring a 96-player field.
World No1 Sinner cited health priorities for his absence. The compressed schedule between grass and hard court seasons has prompted numerous withdrawals with players struggling to recover adequately between major competitions.
The withdrawals leave opportunities for lower-ranked players at Cincinnati's Masters event beginning 7 August.
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With merely three weeks separating the two Grand Slams, Alcaraz battled through an epic five-and-a-half hour match at Roland Garros, recovering from two sets down to secure victory, followed almost immediately by a run to the Wimbledon final.
His Centre Court rematch with Sinner just over a month later ended differently with the Italian prevailing in four sets.
Between these major tournaments, Alcaraz also competed at Halle, maintaining a relentless schedule.
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Reuters
|Carlos Alcaraz also won Queens in between the French Open and Wimbledon
Britain's Jack Draper has also withdrawn due to an arm injury requiring approximately a month's recovery.
The Serbian four-time Toronto champion Djokovic appeared to struggle following an awkward tumble against Flavio Cobolli during his Wimbledon quarter-final match.
Alcaraz's Canadian Open history remains notably poor, having won merely two of four matches across two appearances.
His 2022 debut ended immediately against Tommy Paul, who defeated him again in 2023's quarter-finals, and the Spaniard also missed last year's Toronto event entirely.
Despite maintaining his ATP Race lead with 1,540 points over Sinner, Alcaraz cannot immediately challenge the Italian's world No1 position without Toronto ranking points.
Both players will now target the US Open starting 24 August, where Alcaraz claimed his maiden Grand Slam title in 2022.