Schedule changes called for after Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic withdraw from Canadian Open
The Canadian Open tournament director is calling for schedule reforms after top players Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic withdrew from the event. The withdrawals highlight growing concerns regarding the physical toll of the congested professional tennis calendar.
Why it matters
The frequent absence of top stars from major tournaments threatens the commercial viability and fan engagement of the professional tennis circuit.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Sinner beat Djokovic in the semi-finals of Wimbledon this year on his way to the title
The tournament director of the Canadian Open says changes need to be made to the "demanding schedule" of players after Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic pulled out of the Masters 1000 event.
Sinner, who beat Alexander Zverev to win the Wimbledon title this month, said he had withdrawn from the ATP tournament, which takes place from 2-13 August in Montreal, to prioritise his health.
Carlos Alcaraz will also be absent from the Canadian Open as he continues his recovery from a wrist injury that has kept him out since April.
"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," said the Canadian Open's tournament director Valerie Tetreault.
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