Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic Withdraw from National Bank Open
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic have withdrawn from the upcoming National Bank Open, organizers confirmed ahead of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Montreal.
The tournament is scheduled to begin on August 1, but fans will now miss two of the biggest stars in men’s tennis.
Sinner Prioritizes Recovery
Sinner, who recently captured the Wimbledon title, said the decision was made after careful discussions with his team.
The Italian explained that focusing on his health was the top priority, even though he was disappointed to miss one of the ATP Tour’s premier events.
He added that he hopes to return to compete in Montreal in the future.
Djokovic Also Pulls Out
Tournament organizers also confirmed that Novak Djokovic will not participate in this year’s National Bank Open.
No additional details regarding Djokovic’s withdrawal were immediately provided, but his absence means another major tournament will be without one of the sport’s most successful players.
Carlos Alcaraz Continues Injury Recovery
Seven-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz was also absent from the tournament entry list.
The Spanish star is continuing his recovery from a right wrist injury, which previously forced him to miss both the French Open and Wimbledon.
With Sinner, Djokovic, and Alcaraz all unavailable, the tournament will be missing three of the biggest names in men’s tennis.
Zverev Becomes Top Seed
Following the withdrawals, Alexander Zverev, the reigning French Open champion and Wimbledon runner-up, will enter the tournament as the top seed.
Canadian star Félix Auger-Aliassime is set to be seeded second, making him the highest-seeded Canadian in the history of the National Bank Open.
Second Straight Year Without Tennis’ Biggest Stars
This marks the second consecutive year that Sinner, Djokovic, and Alcaraz have missed the National Bank Open. The trio also did not compete in last year’s tournament, which was held shortly after Wimbledon.
Despite the high-profile withdrawals, the ATP Masters 1000 event is still expected to feature a strong field as players continue preparing for the North American hard-court season and the upcoming US Open.
