Toronto Tournament Hit by Big Withdrawals: Sinner, Djokovic, Draper Out

tennis World Stunned as Sinner, Djokovic Withdraw from Toronto Masters

July 20, 2025, 11:28 AM ET

In a significant blow to the upcoming Masters 1000 tournament in Toronto, world no. 1 Jannik Sinner, tennis legend novak Djokovic, and rising star Jack Draper have all announced their withdrawals due to injuries. The trio’s absence casts a shadow over the prestigious event, which serves as a crucial tune-up for the US Open.

Sinner, the reigning Wimbledon champion and a fan favorite in Toronto where he claimed his first Masters 1000 title in 2023, cited an injured right elbow. The injury, sustained during a fall in his fourth-round match at Wimbledon en route to his historic victory, has forced him to prioritize recovery. “Winning that title in Toronto two years ago was the start of a really special moment for me,but after speaking with my team,I have to recover,” Sinner stated,expressing his disappointment at missing the Canadian event.

Four-time Toronto champion Novak Djokovic also revealed his withdrawal, attributing it to a groin injury. The Serbian superstar, who fell to Sinner in the Wimbledon semifinals, will now focus on recuperating ahead of the US Open. His absence leaves a notable void in the men’s singles draw.

Adding to the list of high-profile pullouts is Jack Draper, currently ranked No. 5 in the world. Draper announced via social media that a left-arm issue will prevent him from competing in both Toronto and the subsequent Cincinnati Masters. This means the young British talent will not have the prospect to play a hard-court event before the US Open commences on August 24th. “After Wimbledon I picked up an injury in my left arm,nothing serious,but I have to make sure it recovers fully for the rest of the season,” Draper explained. “Sadly, I won’t be able to compete in Toronto and Cincinnati … See you in NYC!”

the withdrawals highlight the demanding nature of the professional tennis circuit and the importance of prioritizing player health.As athletes push their bodies to the limit in pursuit of Grand Slam titles and ranking points, strategic rest and recovery become paramount. For Sinner, this decision underscores the balance between maintaining momentum and preventing long-term damage, a lesson learned by many top players throughout their careers. Djokovic’s withdrawal, while unfortunate, is a testament to his long-term vision, ensuring he is in peak condition for the season’s final Grand Slam. Draper’s situation serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by emerging players as they navigate the pressures of a packed schedule.

Fans will undoubtedly miss the star power of Sinner, Djokovic, and Draper in Toronto. however,the tournament is expected to feature a competitive field,with many players eager to seize the opportunity to make their mark on the hard courts of Canada.

How do player withdrawals impact the overall viewership and revenue generation for the National bank Open?

The Impact of Key Player Withdrawals on the 2025 National Bank Open

The 2025 National Bank Open in Toronto is already making headlines, but not for the reasons organizers hoped. A series of high-profile withdrawals,including world number one Jannik Sinner,24-time grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic,and rising British star Jack Draper,have considerably altered the landscape of the ATP 1000 tournament. This article breaks down the reasons behind these withdrawals, the implications for the tournament, and what fans can expect moving forward. The tournament, a key event in the ATP Tour, is now facing a considerable shake-up.

Reasons for the Withdrawals: A Closer Look

Several factors appear to be contributing to the exodus of top players.

Jannik Sinner: The Italian star withdrew citing a foot injury sustained during the wimbledon semi-final. This follows concerns about his workload and potential burnout after a stellar season. Managing player fatigue and injury prevention are crucial in the demanding world of professional tennis.

Novak Djokovic: Djokovic’s withdrawal comes as a surprise, initially reported as a personal reason. However, speculation surrounds his planning for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris and a desire to conserve energy during the grueling summer hard-court season. His absence is a major blow to the tournament’s star power and Toronto tennis fans.

Jack Draper: Draper, who has been steadily climbing the rankings, pulled out due to a shoulder injury. This highlights the physical toll of the sport and the challenges faced by up-and-coming players navigating the ATP rankings.

Implications for the Tournament & Remaining Contenders

These withdrawals dramatically shift the odds and create opportunities for other players.

Increased Possibility for Next-Gen Stars: With the top seeds out, players like Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Daniil Medvedev now have a clearer path to the final. This tournament could be a pivotal moment for these contenders to solidify their positions in the ATP standings.

Impact on Ticket Sales & Fan Interest: The absence of Sinner and Djokovic will undoubtedly affect ticket sales and overall fan engagement. Organizers will need to focus on promoting the remaining high-quality players and the exciting matchups still to come. The National bank Open relies heavily on attracting top talent.

altered Tournament Bracket: The bracket has been reshuffled, creating new potential pathways for players. This means lower-ranked players could find themselves facing tougher opponents earlier in the tournament. Analyzing the updated Toronto tournament bracket is now essential for fans and bettors.

Examining Past Withdrawal Trends in Major Tournaments

Withdrawals are,unfortunately,a common occurence in professional tennis.

Miami Open 2023: The 2023 Miami Open saw several top players withdraw due to injury, including Taylor Fritz and Holger Rune, impacting the tournament’s competitive balance.

Australian Open 2024: Novak Djokovic faced fitness concerns leading up to the Australian Open, highlighting the constant battle players face with their physical condition.

French Open 2024: Carlos Alcaraz experienced a forearm injury during the French Open,demonstrating the risks associated with playing through pain.

These examples demonstrate that player health and strategic scheduling frequently enough dictate participation in major tournaments. The ATP calendar is notoriously demanding.

What Fans can Expect: Focus Shifts to Alcaraz & Medvedev

Despite the setbacks, the 2025 National Bank Open still boasts a strong field.

Carlos Alcaraz as the Clear Favorite: The young Spaniard is now the overwhelming favorite to win the tournament. His aggressive playing style and all-court prowess make him a formidable opponent.

Daniil Medvedev’s Consistency: Medvedev’s consistent performance and tactical brilliance make him a strong contender. He’s proven he can win big titles on hard courts.

potential for Upsets: The reshuffled bracket creates opportunities for lower-ranked players to make a deep run. Keep an eye on players like Casper Ruud and Hubert Hurkacz.

Practical Tips for Tournament Attendees

For those still planning to attend the National Bank Open:

Check the Official Tournament Website: Stay updated on the latest schedule and player details at https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/visitor-toronto/tourist-information-centres/.

Utilize Public Transportation: Toronto’s public transportation system is efficient and convenient for getting to and from the tournament venue.

Plan for Weather: Toronto summers can be hot and humid. Stay hydrated and wear appropriate clothing.

Explore Toronto: Take advantage of your visit to explore the city’s many attractions.The Toronto Tourist Information Center can provide valuable resources.