Jannik Sinner withdrew from the Canadian Open on Friday, just over a week before the tournament starts.
Both Novak Djokovic and Sinner pulled out of the ATP Masters 1000 competition, with the latter citing the need to prioritise his health.
The Italian had won each of the first five Masters events this year and was bidding to become the first player in history to win all nine of them in a single season.
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Sinner’s announcement resulted in the Canadian Open tournament director calling for changes to be made to the demanding schedule, with the event having experienced a lot of last-minute withdrawals over the past few years, mainly due to its close proximity to Wimbledon in the calendar.
The world number one had not withdrawn from any big event in 2026 until this one, and Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci, thinks it was a smart decision.
Rick Macci reacts to Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal from Montreal
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Macci said: “Sinner and his team know what is best mentally and physically for him.
“How much he plays is very different than any player because every match he is supposed to win.
“That is a different mental vibe than any player on tour. To be highly motivated every match and have the juices flowing and not blink is mental magic.
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“The Italian Flamethrower knows the feeling, so he can be dealing.”
Sinner also withdrew from the Canadian Open last year after capturing his first Wimbledon title.
As well as Sinner and Djokovic, the Canadian Open will be without world number three Carlos Alcaraz, who is continuing to recover from a wrist injury.
Jannik Sinner’s next appearance on the ATP Tour
Following his withdrawal from the Canadian Open, Sinner’s next appearance on the ATP Tour is expected to come at the Cincinnati Open.
The Cincinnati Open is the second ATP Masters 1000 tournament of the North American hard-court swing, and the final tune-up for most ahead of the US Open.
Sinner made the final at the Cincinnati Open last season, where he was faced with his rival Alcaraz.
Alcaraz went 5-0 up in the first set during their title bout before Sinner was forced to withdraw due to illness.
Sinner will be defending 650 ATP points in Cincinnati, though his position atop the rankings is not under any serious threat.
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