The Canadian Open has reacted with clear disappointment after Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic withdrew, turning attention away from the draw and back to a wider issue on the men’s tour. Their absences have renewed questions about how often leading players are missing major ATP 1000 events and what that means for fans, organizers and the sport’s biggest regular-season tournaments.
According to the event’s position, the problem goes beyond two high-profile withdrawals. Tournament officials have pointed to a broader scheduling strain across the ATP Tour, arguing that the current calendar can leave top players managing workload, recovery and priorities in ways that affect participation at key stops.
That concern is especially significant for Masters-level events, which are meant to feature the strongest fields outside the Grand Slams. When elite names pull out, it can affect the competitive balance of the tournament and raise concerns about the consistency and prestige of the ATP 1000 circuit.
The latest withdrawals are therefore being seen as part of a larger debate about whether the schedule needs adjustment. The Canadian Open’s response underscores growing calls to better protect player health while also preserving the integrity and appeal of major tour events.
