Carlos Alcaraz joins list of marquee withdrawals from Canadian Open

India Today

6 days ago

Carlos Alcaraz has become the latest marquee name to withdraw from next week's Canadian Open in Toronto, joining an increasingly high-profile list of absentees that already includes Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and Jack Draper. The world No. 2 cited muscle fatigue and the need to recuperate following a demanding stretch of tournaments, which ended with his runner-up finish to Sinner in the Wimbledon final earlier this month.advertisement"I'm really sad to have to miss the National Bank Open in Toronto," Alcaraz said in a statement released by the tournament organisers. "I tried my best to be ready for the tournament, as it's one I really enjoy playing, but it comes just too soon for me as I recover after Wimbledon. I wish the event well and look forward to being back on the Canadian courts next year."The 22-year-old Spaniard is in the midst of a historic season, having lifted titles at the Italian Open, the French Open and Queen's Club. His 24-match winning streak was brought to an end by Sinner at the All England Club, but Alcaraz's run to back-to-back Grand Slam finals at Roland Garros and Wimbledon has only reinforced his position as one of the standout players of the new generation.
Taking to social media, Alcaraz added: "After many consecutive weeks of competition without rest, I will not be able to play in Toronto this year. I have small muscle issues and need to recover physically and mentally for what comes next. To the tournament and my fans in Canada, I am very sorry - I will see you next year."Tournament director Karl Hale expressed his disappointment at the Spaniard's absence. "It's disappointing to lose a player of Carlos' quality, as we know our fans were looking forward to watching him," he said. "Although he has been on the scene for a while, he's still at the beginning of his career and there will be plenty of opportunities for Canadians to see him again in the future."Alcaraz, a five-time Grand Slam champion, reached the quarter-finals in Canada last year before falling to Tommy Paul. His withdrawal means the tournament will now be without four of the world's top six players. Sinner has pulled out to prioritise his health, Djokovic is recovering from a groin issue picked up during his Wimbledon semi-final, while Draper continues to battle an arm injury.In addition, American Sebastian Korda and Poland's Hubert Hurkacz have also withdrawn due to leg and knee injuries respectively, further depleting the men's draw.Despite the spat of withdrawals, the Canadian Open - which runs from 28 July to 7 August - remains a key stop on the build-up to the US Open, which begins on 24 August.- EndsMust Watch