World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has made headlines once again — not for a spectacular on-court performance, but for his decision to withdraw from the 2025 Canadian Open, just weeks ahead of the US Open. The move has sparked debate across the tennis world, with fans and analysts divided. But one respected voice has stepped in to offer a firm defense of the Italian’s decision: former Davis Cup winner Paolo Bertolucci.
Strategic skip, not a sign of weakness
Jannik Sinner, who is enjoying a career-best season after lifting titles at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon, had been slated to return to action in Toronto. However, the 22-year-old opted out of the Masters 1000 event, choosing instead to focus on preparation for the season’s final Grand Slam.
“He absolutely cannot afford not to be at his best for the US Open,” Bertolucci told Repubblica, firmly supporting the choice. “It’s normal and even logical that he took a week off after Wimbledon. Now he’ll have ten days of high-level training, and then he’ll go to Cincinnati. He’s adopting a correct and understandable strategy.”
The tennis legend’s comments reflect growing sentiment that, for elite players, peak performance at Grand Slams far outweighs point accumulation at ATP 1000 events.
Prioritizing longevity and performance
Bertolucci was also quick to challenge critics who questioned Jannik Sinner’s commitment or accused him of dodging competition. “Anyone who doesn’t understand this and is worried about losing 200 ranking points means they don’t know the rules of tennis,” he stated bluntly.
His defense underscores a broader reality in modern tennis — the calendar is packed, and the physical demands on top players are relentless. Recovery and targeted preparation are not signs of weakness but signs of maturity.
“You can’t push yourself to the max every week, every tournament. That doesn’t exist,” Bertolucci emphasized. “The goals for a player like Sinner are the Slams and that’s it. Successes in the Masters 1000s are to be taken with great pleasure, but these are now almost training tournaments for the Slams.”
Jannik Sinner's eyes on flushing meadows
Sinner’s decision is not without precedent. Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have also withdrawn from the Canadian Open, signaling a wider trend among the sport’s elite — Grand Slam titles are the true measure of greatness, and smart scheduling is essential for sustained success.
With the US Open just around the corner, Jannik Sinner is clearly playing the long game. And if recent history is any indicator, his calculated break could pay off in grand fashion under the lights of Flushing Meadows.