World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz has declined to participate in the upcoming National Bank Open in Toronto, scheduled from July 27 to August 7, announcing that he needs both physical and mental recovery following an intense stretch of competition and recent Grand Slam appearances.
A Strategic Decision After Wimbledon
Alcaraz’s withdrawal comes on the heels of a dramatic Wimbledon campaign, where he finished runner-up to Jannik Sinner—a result that also ended his 24-match unbeaten streak. In a message shared on X, he admitted needing time to rest, citing “small muscle issues” and fatigue:
“After many consecutive weeks of competition without rest, I will not be able to play in Toronto this year… I have small muscle issues and need to recover physically and mentally for what comes next… I am very sorry, I will see you next year!”
This follows a season already packed with remarkable success, including winning Roland Garros in June and reaching the Wimbledon final in early July.
Part of a Wave of Top-Level Pullouts
Alcaraz is now the latest elite player to skip the Toronto Masters. Alongside him, World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Jack Draper, and Jordan Thompson have also withdrawn. According to the tournament’s official entries, this absence of four of the top six ranked men dramatically alters the competition landscape.
Implications for the Draw
As a result, World No. 3 Alexander Zverev and No. 4 Taylor Fritz are now expected to be the highest seeds in the men’s draw. The field has been significantly weakened, providing opportunities for lower-ranked players to advance deep into the tournament.
On the women’s side (held simultaneously in Montreal), Coco Gauff heads the draw as the top seed, with Iga Świątek next in line—though the women’s field has remained largely intact.
Preparing For the U.S. Open
Alcaraz’s withdrawal aligns with broader player strategies. With the U.S. Open set to begin on August 25, tennis’ elite are carefully managing their schedules to peak at the year’s final Grand Slam. The back-to-back scheduling of Toronto and the Cincinnati Masters—which starts August 7—has been a particular concern, prompting several players to rest in Canada and instead focus on Cincinnati.
What Lies Ahead
By sidestepping Toronto, Alcaraz can concentrate his efforts on preparing for the U.S. Open and maintain his momentum. His season so far has been stellar: five titles, including French Open champion, finalist at Wimbledon, and Masters 1000 success in Rome and Paris. With over 48–6 match record in 2025, he remains firmly on track for more Grand Slam triumphs.
While disappointing for fans, Alcaraz’s decision is a sensible form of athletic preservation. It underscores how top players increasingly prioritize health and longevity, particularly amid a demanding summer swing. With a brief break ahead of Cincinnati and hard-court camp in store, he aims to return refreshed for New York.
