Carlos Alcaraz has opted to forgo the start of his North American hard-court season in Montreal, a decision that comes on the heels of his impressive run at the Paris Olympics, where he reached the quarterfinals. The announcement, made by the Montreal Masters organizers on Thursday, means that both Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, another tennis titan, will miss the Montreal Masters. The absence of these two stars is a significant blow to the National Bank Open, which kicks off on August 6th, as the tournament loses two of the world’s biggest draws in men’s tennis.
For Alcaraz, who cited “fatigue” as the primary reason for his withdrawal, the decision was likely influenced by a long, demanding season on various surfaces. This year alone, the 21-year-old Spaniard claimed both the French Open and Wimbledon titles, cementing his status as one of tennis’s premier young talents. However, these accomplishments have come with an accumulation of wear and tear, prompting him to prioritize rest over an immediate transition to hard courts. “It has been a very long season for me and due to the accumulation of matches and fatigue, I will not be able to play in Montreal this year,” Alcaraz shared in his official statement. “I was really looking forward to coming back to Canada and enjoying the love of the fans. Hope to see everyone in Montreal in the years to come!”
The news is particularly disappointing for the organizers of the National Bank Open, who were undoubtedly looking forward to showcasing one of tennis’s most exciting young champions. Alcaraz’s absence not only affects ticket sales and viewership but also reshapes the competitive landscape of the tournament. As the reigning champion of both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, Alcaraz would have been one of the favorites to contend for the title. His powerful baseline game and deft touch around the court make him a formidable opponent on any surface, and his recent success on clay courts has only further demonstrated his versatility.
Alcaraz’s absence from Montreal marks the third time he has adjusted his North American schedule to manage his workload. While only 21, Alcaraz is no stranger to balancing a demanding career. The Spanish star made his National Bank Open debut in Montreal two years ago, arriving with high hopes as a two-time Masters champion. However, he faced an early setback, losing in his opening match to Tommy Paul, a player known for his counterpunching skills. Alcaraz rebounded the following year, reaching the quarterfinals of the tournament in Toronto. However, he once again ran into trouble against Paul, who ousted him for the second consecutive year. Despite these losses, Alcaraz has used every setback as fuel to propel him to even greater heights, and he returned to the 2023 season with renewed focus and resilience.
Alcaraz’s accomplishments this year reflect his rapid ascent in the world of tennis. The 21-year-old has already amassed four Grand Slam titles, and his consistent performances against top-ranked players have made him a household name among tennis fans. His decision to skip Montreal this year, however, is a reminder of the physical toll that high-level tennis exacts on even the fittest athletes. After an intense season, Alcaraz’s choice to rest and recuperate rather than transition immediately from clay to hard courts suggests a level of maturity in managing his career and long-term health.
In addition to his individual accomplishments, Alcaraz recently completed a doubles campaign at the Paris Olympics alongside Rafael Nadal, one of Spain’s most decorated athletes. The two Spaniards teamed up for doubles but ultimately bowed out on Wednesday. Despite their exit from the doubles bracket, Alcaraz’s singles journey in Paris is still alive, as he prepares for a semifinal matchup against either Casper Ruud or Felix Auger-Aliassime. A singles win at the Olympics would be a historic achievement for Alcaraz, further adding to his impressive resume this season.
With both Alcaraz and Djokovic absent, the Montreal Masters opens up opportunities for other top players to shine. Fans may look to players like Daniil Medvedev, who has proven his skill on hard courts, or Stefanos Tsitsipas, another consistent contender in Masters events, to seize the moment and capture the title. Rising stars like Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune, who are pushing into the upper echelons of the rankings, could also take advantage of the absence of two of the sport’s elite players to make a deep run.
As Alcaraz’s fanbase grows, his relationship with the National Bank Open is bound to remain strong. While his withdrawal from Montreal this year is disappointing, his heartfelt message to Canadian fans suggests he plans to return to the tournament in the future, aiming to deliver the thrilling performances they expect from him. His ability to resonate with fans worldwide stems from more than just his skill on the court; Alcaraz’s sportsmanship, humility, and passion for the game have made him a beloved figure.
In the short term, Alcaraz’s decision to delay his North American hard-court debut could ultimately benefit him as he looks to the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year. The rest may allow him to recharge and prepare for the challenges of New York’s Flushing Meadows, where the pace and intensity are known to test even the most seasoned players. As one of the sport’s fastest-rising stars, Alcaraz has already made his mark on the hard courts of the US Open, winning the title in 2022. A well-rested and focused Alcaraz would be a formidable contender, and his strategic withdrawal from Montreal underscores his commitment to performing at his best when it matters most.
For now, Carlos Alcaraz’s fans and the tennis community will have to wait a little longer to see him return to hard courts. His decision to withdraw from Montreal may signal a shift in his approach to managing his career, prioritizing sustainability and peak performance over an exhaustive schedule. Although Montreal will miss out on his talent this year, Alcaraz’s calculated decision ensures he remains one of the most exciting players to watch as he gears up for the upcoming tournaments.