Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic to Skip Montreal Masters 1000

The ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Montreal will proceed without two of its biggest stars, Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, who have both withdrawn from the event. Organizers announced the withdrawals on Friday, citing the players' demanding schedules and a need to prioritize their health. Sinner, the current world number one, and Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, recently competed in Wimbledon, where Sinner won the men's title and Djokovic reached the semifinals.

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After carefully evaluating all factors together with my team, we have made the difficult decision to withdraw from Montreal. It is never easy to miss such an important event, but we believe this is the right decision to prioritize my health.

Sinner stated in a release that the decision to withdraw from Montreal was made "after carefully evaluating all factors with my team" and that it was the "right decision to prioritize my health." This marks the second consecutive year both players have opted out of the Montreal tournament, which serves as a crucial warm-up for the US Open. The WTA 1000 women's event will be held concurrently in Toronto.

Tournament director Valérie Tétreault expressed respect for the players' decisions but also voiced concerns about the increasing frequency of last-minute withdrawals from major events. "While we respect their decisions and understand that with such a demanding schedule, players' health must remain the priority," Tétreault said, "we believe that the frequency of these last-minute withdrawals in recent years raises a broader issue for our sport."

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We respect their decisions and understand that, with such a demanding schedule, players' health must remain the priority. That said, we believe that the frequency of these last-minute withdrawals in recent years raises a broader issue for our sport.

Tétreault added that fans have a right to expect the best players to compete in Masters 1000 events, which are considered flagship tournaments on the circuit. The organizers are reportedly in discussions with the ATP regarding necessary adjustments to better protect the integrity of these events while acknowledging the realities faced by players. World number two Alexander Zverev and local favorite Félix Auger-Aliassime are now expected to be the top seeds, while Carlos Alcaraz, ranked third, had already withdrawn due to a wrist injury.

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The Masters 1000 are among the flagship tournaments of the circuit, and fans have every right to expect to see the world's best compete.