"We really see that we’re falling behind" - Canadian Open tournament director admits there is a 'sense of urgency' following high-profile withdrawals

The main talking point from this Canadian Open has not come on the court, but away from it. The lineup in the ATP event was hit hard by the news of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic opting not to compete for a second consecutive year. Valerie Tetreault, the tournament director, had vented her anger on this topic and has now looked back on them as they look to get the Canadian Open back on track.

Sinner and Djokovic added their names to the withdrawal list close to the tournament beginning. As well as Carlos Alcaraz not taking part due to a wrist injury, the lineup was much more wide open with the best players in the world not competing.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for the competition as well as Canadian tennis fans who for the second year running have to watch their event without Sinner, Alcaraz or Djokovic featuring.

Some more bad luck has come with this through the top two seeds going out within hours of each other. Alexander Zverev lost in three sets to Tallon Griekspoor while the number two seed and home favourite Felix Auger-Aliassime pulled out moments before his match was set to start thanks to an injury picked up.

These withdrawals prompted Tetreault to speak her thoughts and frustrations on the matter. “We believe the frequency of these last-minute withdrawals in the last few years raises a broader issue for our sport,” she previously said.

The former professional tennis player was asked whether she has got in target with one of the players since those comments. “Well, we had a chance to welcome another member of their executive team earlier in the tournament, and we took some time to sit down and discuss a little bit the plan that is currently being worked on by the ATP ahead of 2028.

“In fact, we know that this is going to be, also, an important topic during the meetings that will occur during the US Open in New York. And the ATP recommended that we write a letter to the board of the ATP, you know, to mention a little bit what we experience and how we feel about this and explain, obviously, our intention or our ask, to make sure that it is a topic that is being discussed by the board as well during those meetings.”

Acknowledging that it is falling behind other Masters 1000 tournaments, Tetrault was determined to implement changes and updates to get the event back on track and much more appealing for players to compete in.

“Yes. There is a sense of urgency. You said it. We really see that we’re falling behind, and we’re being told the same thing by the two tours," she said.

“As much as the ATP worked on implementing a lot of standards when it comes to everything that is tied to the player services, it’s pretty clear that, right now, you know, this isn’t a good place and they’re turning more to fan experience and what is expected in terms of fan experience when you go to a Masters 1000. There’s no ultimatum as of right now. It’s more that they’re looking to be reassured that we’re working towards finding a solution.”

Since the Canadian Open followed in the footsteps of other tournaments and made it 12 days, it has been regularly snubbed by top players, specifically on the men's side. It is in an awkward position with the tournaments following it the events players are focusing more on. The main one being the US Open, the fourth and final Grand Slam of the year with the Cincinnati Open occurring just beforehand. It is yet to be seen if this trend continues in Canada or if they can find a solution to prevent these withdrawals from regularly occurring.