Two of tennis' biggest names, Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, have officially withdrawn from the 2025 National Bank Open in Toronto. The event, slated to kick off next week, was expected to mark the duo’s return to the court following their campaigns at Wimbledon.
Tournament organizers confirmed the withdrawals in a statement released Sunday afternoon.
Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic have been forced to withdraw from the 2025 National Bank Open in Toronto as they recover following Wimbledon. Jack Draper has also withdrawn due to injury, the statement read.
Sinner cites recovery needs following Wimbledon victory
Jannik Sinner, who recently claimed his first Wimbledon title by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the final, expressed disappointment over missing the Canadian event. The 22-year-old had previously won the National Bank Open in 2023, beating Alex de Minaur in straight sets to lift the trophy.
I’m really disappointed to be missing the National Bank Open in Toronto, especially as I have such fond memories of playing in Canada, Sinner shared in a press release. Winning that title in Toronto two years ago was the start of a really special moment for me, but after speaking with my team, I have to recover.
Djokovic opts for recovery after semi-final exit at Wimbledon
Veteran superstar Novak Djokovic, who reached the Wimbledon semi-finals before falling to Sinner, also chose to sit out the Toronto event to prioritize recovery. Although no personal statement was released, organizers confirmed his withdrawal as precautionary following a taxing run at SW19.
Draper withdraws due to minor injury
British hopeful Jack Draper has also pulled out of the tournament. The 23-year-old addressed his withdrawal via a post on X (formerly Twitter):
After Wimbledon I picked up an injury in my left arm, nothing serious, but I have to make sure it recovers fully for the rest of the season. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to compete in Toronto and Cincinnati… See you in NYC.
Draper is expected to return to competition at the US Open, beginning later in August.
Alcaraz, Zverev lead a stacked field in Toronto
With the absences of Sinner and Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz emerges as the frontrunner for the Toronto crown. Former champion Alexander Zverev is also among the top contenders. Other prominent names include Taylor Fritz, Lorenzo Musetti, Holger Rune, Denis Shapovalov, and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Expanded format, key absences on the women’s side
This year’s edition of the National Bank Open introduces a 12-day expanded format and a 96-player main draw. A concurrent women’s tournament will also run alongside the men’s event.
However, several high-profile female players including Ons Jabeur, Paula Badosa, and Aryna Sabalenka have already withdrawn, dealing a blow to the women’s draw.