“I need to recover physically and mentally”: Carlos Alcaraz confirms withdrawal from Canadian Open

Carlos Alcaraz, the electrifying Spanish tennis sensation and World No. 2, has sent shockwaves through the tennis world by announcing his withdrawal from the 2025 Canadian Open, a key ATP Masters 1000 event set to begin in Toronto on July 27. The 22-year-old, who boasts five Grand Slam titles, including the 2025 French Open and Wimbledon, cited the need for physical and mental recovery after a grueling season. His decision, mirrored by Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, has left the tournament without three of its biggest stars, raising questions about the demanding ATP schedule and Alcaraz’s preparation for the upcoming US Open. As fans digest the news, Alcaraz’s focus on long-term health underscores his maturity in navigating the pressures of stardom.

Alcaraz’s withdrawal comes on the heels of an intense campaign that saw him reach the Wimbledon final on July 13, where he fell to Sinner in a thrilling four-set battle, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. The match capped a relentless stretch of competition, including his Roland Garros triumph and a five-hour, 29-minute French Open final against Sinner, hailed as one of the greatest matches in tennis history. “After many consecutive weeks of competition without rest, I will not be able to play in Toronto this year,” Alcaraz stated, addressing tournament director Karl Hale and his Canadian fans. “I need to recover physically and mentally to be at my best for the rest of the season.” His candid admission reflects the toll of a packed 2025 schedule, which left just two weeks between Wimbledon’s conclusion and the Canadian Open’s start.

The Spaniard’s decision aligns with similar moves by Sinner, who withdrew due to an elbow injury, and Djokovic, sidelined by a left arm issue from Wimbledon. “I can’t wait for Sunday,” Alcaraz had said after Sinner secured his Wimbledon final spot, a nod to their burgeoning rivalry. Yet, the absence of these titans, alongside British No. 1 Jack Draper, has dimmed the Toronto event’s star power, with Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and defending champion Alexei Popyrin now leading the field. Tennis analyst Gill Gross criticized the ATP’s scheduling, noting, “That is not going to be a recipe to draw top players and actually entice them to play Canada, which was already the Masters 1000 event that was probably getting skipped more often than any of the others.” Players like Casper Ruud have echoed this sentiment, calling the tour a “rat race” that prioritizes quantity over player welfare.

Alcaraz’s withdrawal is particularly significant given his history at the Canadian Open, where he reached the third round in 2022 but lost early in 2023 and skipped the event in 2024. His absence this year delays his chance to close the 1,180-point gap with Sinner for the World No. 1 ranking, a battle set to intensify at the Cincinnati Open from August 7 to 18. “To the tournament and to my fans in Canada, I am very sorry, I will see you next year!” Alcaraz added, expressing regret but reaffirming his commitment to returning in 2026. His focus now shifts to the US Open, where he won his first Grand Slam in 2022 and aims to reclaim the title starting August 24. With Samuel López coaching him in Cincinnati and Juan Carlos Ferrero in New York, Alcaraz is prioritizing recovery to ensure peak performance.

The 2025 season has been a testament to Alcaraz’s brilliance, with a 48-6 record and five titles, but also his vulnerability. Small muscle issues, compounded by the mental strain of constant high-stakes matches, have forced a strategic pause. “Their ball is about 10 miles per hour faster than Rafa and Novak’s,” Taylor Fritz said of Alcaraz and Sinner, highlighting the physical intensity of their game. Alcaraz’s decision to skip Toronto reflects a lesson learned from veterans like Djokovic, who has skipped the event seven times to prioritize majors. As the tennis world gears up for New York, Alcaraz’s rest could prove pivotal, setting the stage for another chapter in his rivalry with Sinner and a potential showdown with Djokovic, who remains a formidable force at 38.

The Canadian Open’s expanded 96-player draw and 12-day format, running alongside the women’s event in Montreal, has only amplified scheduling concerns. Yet, for Alcaraz, this withdrawal is a calculated move to safeguard his body and mind, ensuring he’s ready to unleash his explosive forehands and audacious drop shots at Flushing Meadows. Fans, while disappointed, are rallying behind their star, with one posting on X, “Smart move by Carlos, health first!” As the hard-court season looms, Alcaraz’s strategic pause could be the key to unlocking another Grand Slam triumph.

 

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