Jannik Sinner's Montreal Withdrawal Ends Historic Masters Dream, Reignites Tennis Calendar Debate

Published 25 July 2026 · sports

Jannik Sinner's Montreal Withdrawal Ends Historic Masters Dream, Reignites Tennis Calendar Debate Published By, Last Updated: July 25, 2026, 17:36 IST Jannik Sinner has withdrawn

Jannik Sinner's Montreal Withdrawal Ends Historic Masters Dream, Reignites Tennis Calendar Debate Published By, Last Updated: July 25, 2026, 17:36 IST Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the Canadian Open, ending his bid for a historic sweep of all nine ATP Masters 1000 titles and renewing concerns over tennis' packed calendar. Rapid Read Jannik Sinner (Picture Credit: AP) Jannik Sinner’s bid to script one of the greatest seasons in ATP history has hit an unexpected roadblock. The world No. 1 has withdrawn from next month’s Canadian Open in Montreal, ending his chance of completing a clean sweep of all nine ATP Masters 1000 titles in a single season — a feat no player has ever achieved. Sinner had enjoyed a stunning run through 2026, winning the first five Masters 1000 events of the year at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome. Fresh off his Wimbledon triumph over Alexander Zverev, the Italian arrived at the North American hard-court swing with momentum and a realistic shot at an unprecedented “Calendar Grandmaster." That pursuit, however, will have to wait.

Health Takes Priority Sinner said he was withdrawing from the ATP Masters 1000 event in Montreal, scheduled from August 2-13, to prioritise his health ahead of the crucial stretch leading into the US Open. His absence is a major blow for the tournament, which will also be without Novak Djokovic. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is continuing his recovery from a wrist injury that has sidelined him since April, leaving the event without three of the sport’s biggest stars. Tournament director Valerie Tetreault acknowledged the disappointment but backed the players’ decisions. “We are obviously very disappointed that Jannik and Novak won’t be joining us in Montreal this year, especially after they also withdrew from last year’s tournament in Toronto," she said. “We respect their decisions and understand that, with such a demanding schedule, players’ health must remain the priority." Packed Calendar Under Fresh Scrutiny Sinner’s withdrawal has once again intensified the debate over tennis’ increasingly demanding calendar.

Tetreault believes the growing number of late withdrawals points to a wider issue. “Masters 1000 events are among the flagship tournaments on the tour, and fans rightfully expect to see the world’s best compete," she said. “We are already in discussions with the ATP to ensure this matter received serious consideration." The Canadian Open is followed immediately by another Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati before players head to the US Open, which begins on August 30. Seven of the nine Masters 1000 tournaments now span 12 days, while the ATP and WTA calendars stretch across nearly 11 months. Several leading players, including Alexander Zverev, have criticised the expanded format, arguing it places excessive physical demands on the tour’s biggest names. Sinner, Djokovic and Alcaraz are all expected to return in Cincinnati as preparations begin for the year’s final Grand Slam in New York. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Siddarth Sriram After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas.