Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic withdrawals shake up Canadian Open draw

Friday, 24 July 2026 at 20:38

Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic shaking hands at the net

The Canadian Open has suffered a major blow ahead of its start in Montreal, with Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic officially withdrawing from the ATP Masters 1000 event. The absence of the world No. 1 and the 24-time Grand Slam champion removes two of the biggest names from the field and significantly changes the landscape of one of the most important tournaments of the North American hard-court swing.

Sinner will remain away from competition until the Cincinnati Open, which begins on August 10, meaning the Italian will spend around one month away from the courts after winning his second consecutive Wimbledon title. The 24-year-old defeated Alexander Zverev in the final to claim his fifth Grand Slam trophy and extend his dominance at the biggest tournaments.

The decision comes after an extraordinary run for Sinner at Masters 1000 level. The Italian has won 34 consecutive matches in the category dating back to Paris last October and has captured six straight Masters 1000 titles. He has also won all five Masters 1000 tournaments he has played in 2026 so far, holding a perfect 30-0 record at that level this season.

During his 34-match winning streak, Sinner has dropped only three sets, with Tomas Machac and Benjamin Bonzi winning tie-break sets against him, while Daniil Medvedev managed to take a set during their semifinal clash in Rome. Five of those victories have come against Zverev, with the Italian winning all of those matches without losing a set.

Djokovic also skips Montreal after Wimbledon semifinal run

Djokovic’s withdrawal adds another major absence to the Canadian Open field. The Serbian arrives after reaching the Wimbledon semifinals, where he was defeated by Sinner, but has continued following a reduced schedule during the 2026 season as he carefully manages his calendar.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion has played only five tournaments this year, including the three majors — Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon — alongside two Masters 1000 events. His only appearances at that level came in Indian Wells, where he reached the fourth round, and Rome, where he exited in the second round.

The Serbian has not confirmed a specific reason for his withdrawal, but his limited tournament schedule throughout the season has reflected his approach of prioritising the biggest events.

Djokovic has not played the Canadian Open since 2018, when he was defeated by Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third round. The Serbian has won the title four times, but it is the Masters 1000 event where he has gone the longest without making an appearance.

The Serbian is a four-time champion in Canadian Open, but the event has become the Masters 1000 tournament with his longest absence.

Auger-Aliassime moves up as Montreal draw opens up

Following the withdrawals of Sinner and Djokovic, Félix Auger-Aliassime will become the No. 2 seed at his home Masters 1000 event. Alexander Zverev will now lead the field, while several other contenders receive a significant opportunity in a tournament that suddenly looks far more open.

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The updated top eight seeds are Zverev, Auger-Aliassime, Ben Shelton, Alex de Minaur, Taylor Fritz, Daniil Medvedev, Flavio Cobolli and Alexander Bublik. The field still includes seven top-20 players and several dangerous hard-court competitors looking to build momentum before the US Open.

For players such as Zverev, Shelton, Fritz and Auger-Aliassime, the late changes could create a valuable opportunity. With Sinner and Djokovic no longer in the draw, Montreal now enters a new phase where the battle for the title appears much more unpredictable.

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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