The upcoming ATP Masters 1000 in Montreal – the National Bank Open – has taken a massive hit before the first ball has even been struck. The “Big Three” of modern men’s tennis – world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic, and world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz – have all officially withdrawn from the tournament.
While tennis fans in Montreal were eager to see the world’s elite go head-to-head on the hard courts of IGA Stadium, the draw has been blown wide open. Here is everything you need to know about why these stars are sitting out, who takes over the top seeds, and which players now have the best shot at lifting the trophy.
WHY ARE THE BIG THREE SKIPPING MONTREAL?
The brutal summer tennis calendar, tight turnarounds, and physical strain are the main culprits behind these high-profile absences:
Novak Djokovic (Pacing for the US Open): Following a deep run to the Wimbledon semi-finals, the 39-year-old Serbian icon chose to skip Montreal to rest and spend time with his family. Skipping Canada has become a recurring strategy for Djokovic in recent years as he manages his workload to peak at Cincinnati and Flushing Meadows.
Carlos Alcaraz (Right Wrist Injury): The 7-time Grand Slam champion was left off the initial entry list as he continues his recovery from a lingering right wrist injury that previously forced him to miss major swings this season.
Jannik Sinner (Rest & Schedule Management): Coming off an intense run to defend his Wimbledon title, Sinner announced his withdrawal to prioritize his health and avoid burnout ahead of the US Open.
“It is never easy to miss such an important event, but we believe this is the right decision to prioritize my health,” Sinner said in an official statement.
WHO TAKES THE TOP SPOTS? THE NEW SEEDINGS
With the trio out, the top end of the bracket undergoes a dramatic shift, giving two prominent figures the spotlight:
Alexander Zverev (No. 1 Seed): The French Open champion and recent Wimbledon finalist inherits the top seed in Montreal. Zverev boasts proven hard-court prowess and enters Canada as the highest-ranked active player in the draw.
Félix Auger-Aliassime (No. 2 Seed): In a historic moment for Canadian tennis, Montreal’s own Félix Auger-Aliassime steps up as the No. 2 seed – marking the highest seeding for a Canadian player in the history of the tournament.
National Bank Open Tournament Director Valerie Tetreault acknowledged player health priorities but noted the broader issue:
“We respect their decisions, but we believe the frequency of these last-minute withdrawals raises a broader issue for our sport. Masters 1000 events are flagship tournaments, and fans rightfully expect to see the world’s best compete.”
The absence of Sinner, Djokovic, and Alcaraz undoubtedly changes the star power of the event, but it paves the way for unpredictable, thrilling drama. Can Alexander Zverev capitalize on his momentum? Or will hometown hero Félix Auger-Aliassime deliver a dream run in front of his local fans?
Action kicks off on August 1st at the IGA Stadium in Montreal.