Ben Shelton defends Sinner and Djokovic after Canadian Open withdrawals: “I don’t think it’s sustainable”
ATP
The absence of Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic from the Canadian Open has once again raised questions about the demands of the ATP calendar, and defending champion Ben Shelton believes the current structure may be pushing players beyond sustainable limits.
Speaking ahead of his debut at the DC Open, Shelton backed the decisions of the sport's biggest stars to skip the Masters 1000 event, arguing that players must prioritize their physical and mental condition. The American's comments come after the Canadian Open lost three of the biggest names in men's tennis for a second consecutive year.
Sinner, Alcaraz and Djokovic are widely considered the three biggest stars in the men's game, but none of them will compete in Montreal in 2026. Sinner withdrew after an extraordinary season that has included five Masters 1000 titles from the five events he has played so far, while Alcaraz extended his recovery period following injury and Djokovic decided to make Cincinnati his only tournament before the US Open.
For Shelton, who lifted his maiden Masters 1000 trophy in Canada last year after also benefiting from the absence of several top stars, the situation highlights a bigger issue facing the ATP Tour: whether the current calendar allows elite players to maintain their level throughout the season.
Shelton backs Sinner and Djokovic as ATP schedule debate continues
The American admitted that the repeated withdrawals from major tournaments show the physical pressure created by the current structure of the tour. “For the tournaments and the players, I'm not sure how sustainable the current setup of the tour is. I think for me the biggest thing I'm seeing is the injuries.”
The ATP calendar has expanded significantly in recent years, with several Masters 1000 events becoming longer tournaments with larger draws. While the changes were designed to provide more opportunities for players outside the top rankings, they have also increased the number of matches required during an already demanding season.
Shelton specifically pointed to Sinner's remarkable workload in 2026. The Italian entered the Canadian Open after compiling a 44-3 record and winning five consecutive Masters 1000 titles, a run that included triumphs at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome.
“You have a guy like Sinner, who is winning as many matches as he is; his match count is so high. How is the guy going to go and play every tournament? I don't think it's sustainable.”
Sinner's decision to skip Canada comes after one of the busiest stretches of his career. Earlier this season, the World No. 1 played six consecutive tournaments between Indian Wells and Roland Garros, winning five titles before suffering an early exit at the French major.
Shelton believes players themselves are best positioned to decide when they need time away from competition. “Jannik knows his body better than anyone, like all players. If Jannik and Novak feel ready physically and mentally, they'll play,” the American claimed. “In my opinion, they don't miss a tournament without reason.”
Shelton prepares to defend Canadian Open title after similar 2025 scenario
The situation carries additional significance for Shelton because he knows exactly what an opportunity created by top-player absences can mean.
In 2025, the American captured his first Masters 1000 title at the Canadian Open after several leading names, including Sinner, Alcaraz and Djokovic, were missing from the field. The victory became the biggest achievement of his career at the time and established him as one of the leading players of the younger generation.
Now, one year later, Shelton will attempt to defend that title under remarkably similar circumstances.
However, he believes the solution is not simply asking players to compete more often. Instead, he called for a balance between the interests of tournaments and the physical demands placed on athletes. “There’s got to be some sort of give. We need to find a compromise.”
The American enters the North American hard-court swing after winning three titles in 2026, although his season has also included inconsistent stretches. With the biggest names absent once again in Canada, Shelton will have another opportunity to strengthen his position among the ATP's elite.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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