The tennis world was rocked by yet another high-profile withdrawal from the 2025 National Bank Open in Toronto, as World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz announced he would not compete in the ATP Masters 1000 event, following in the footsteps of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic. The decision, confirmed on July 20, 2025, just days before the tournament’s start on July 27, has left fans disappointed but hopeful for Alcaraz’s return to the hard courts at the upcoming Cincinnati Masters and US Open. Citing fatigue after a grueling season, the 22-year-old Spaniard’s absence from the Sobeys Stadium event, which runs until August 7, underscores the physical toll of his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Alcaraz, who boasts five Grand Slam titles and seven Masters 1000 crowns, has had a monumental 2025, highlighted by his French Open victory in June, where he outlasted Sinner in a thrilling five-set final. His Wimbledon campaign, though ending in a four-set loss to Sinner in the final, further showcased his dominance, with only one set dropped in his first five matches. “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 Toronto this year,” Alcaraz said, echoing sentiments he expressed after withdrawing from the 2024 Montreal event due to a similar need for rest. “I was really looking forward to coming back to Canada and enjoying the love of the fans. Hope to see everyone in Toronto in the years to come!” His words reflect the bittersweet reality of prioritizing recovery over a tournament where he has yet to claim the title.
The National Bank Open, now in its expanded 12-day format with a 96-player main draw, was poised to be a showcase of tennis’s elite, with Alcaraz and Sinner headlining the entry list announced on July 2. “With a 96-player draw, six additional sessions, and the strongest player field in our history, we are thrilled to be entering a bold new era,” said Tournament Director Karl Hale, emphasizing the event’s ambition to cement its status as the ATP Tour’s “Tennis Playground.” However, the withdrawals of Alcaraz, Sinner (elbow injury), and Djokovic (groin injury), along with Jack Draper (arm injury), have shifted the spotlight to other top players like Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Lorenzo Musetti. Canadian hopes now rest on Denis Shapovalov, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Gabriel Diallo, with Auger-Aliassime expressing his excitement: “Canada, I can’t wait to be back at home and playing in front of all of you. The atmosphere and fans in Toronto are always amazing.”
Alcaraz’s decision comes on the heels of a demanding season that included a semifinal run at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he faced Auger-Aliassime. His 37-6 record in 2025, coupled with titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, has solidified his status as a generational talent, but the physical demands of competing on clay, grass, and now hard courts have taken their toll. Posts on X reflect fan sentiment, with many praising his choice to rest: “Decision acertada for Carlos to skip Toronto and focus on Cincinnati and the US Open,” one supporter noted, while another called it “great news” for giving the Spaniard time to recharge. Alcaraz’s absence opens opportunities for players like Marcos Giron, Alexei Popyrin, and Flavio Cobolli, who joined the main draw following additional withdrawals from Francisco Cerundolo and Jiri Lehecka.
The tournament’s significance extends beyond the court, with Toronto’s Significant Event Investment Program providing $200,000 to support its expansion, boosting the city’s global visibility. “We are very grateful for the financial support,” said Gavin Ziv, CEO of Tennis Canada. “These funds have played a key role in helping us transition to a bigger and better tournament.” Despite the star-studded field losing three of its biggest names, the event remains highly competitive, with former champions like Zverev (2017), Daniil Medvedev, and Popyrin, alongside rising stars like Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe.
Alcaraz’s withdrawal also has implications for the World No. 1 race. Sinner’s absence means he instantly loses 200 points from his 2023 Toronto title, narrowing the 3,000-point gap with Alcaraz. A strong performance in Cincinnati or the US Open could see Alcaraz reclaim the top spot, a prospect that has fans buzzing. “There’s every chance Alcaraz heads into the ATP Finals as the World No. 1,” one observer posted on X, highlighting the tight race. For now, Alcaraz is focused on recovery, aiming to return stronger in Cincinnati, where he has previously reached the final. As Toronto prepares for a thrilling but altered tournament, the tennis world awaits the next chapter in Alcaraz’s remarkable journey, confident that his infectious energy and dazzling shot-making will light up the hard courts soon.
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