Sinner and Djokovic Withdraw from 2025 National Bank Open in Toronto

In a significant development for tennis fans, Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic have officially withdrawn from the National Bank Open, presented by Rogers, in Toronto. The announcement was made by the tournament organizers on Sunday, July 20, 2025. This decision comes as both players are currently unable to compete, impacting the lineup for the prestigious ATP Masters 1000 event, which will take place from July 27 to August 7 at Sobeys Stadium.

Jannik Sinner, currently ranked No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings, won the National Bank Open during its last occurrence in Toronto in 2023. With an impressive 7-3 record in the Canadian ATP Masters 1000, Sinner has solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor. His withdrawal follows a remarkable 2024 season, culminating in his first title at the Nitto ATP Finals, and his recent victory at Wimbledon, where he defeated Djokovic in the semi-finals, marking his fifth consecutive win over the seasoned champion in their head-to-head encounters.

Novak Djokovic, aged 38, is a four-time champion at this event and has been a mainstay in the top tier of men's tennis for nearly two decades. His absence is equally felt, given his experience and skill on the court. The reasons for both players’ withdrawals have not been disclosed, but injuries are often cited in such high-stakes competitions.

Joining Sinner and Djokovic on the sidelines is British No. 1 Jack Draper, who has also withdrawn due to an arm injury. Draper’s withdrawal adds to the narrative of a highly competitive tournament now missing several of its star players.

In light of these withdrawals, Carlos Alcaraz and former champion Alexander Zverev are set to lead the field in Toronto. Alcaraz, considered one of the future stars of tennis, alongside Zverev, will draw significant attention as they contend for the title in the absence of Sinner and Djokovic. Other notable competitors include top 10 players such as Taylor Fritz, Lorenzo Musetti, and Holger Rune, alongside Canadian hopes like Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime.

The National Bank Open is recognized for its significant role in the ATP calendar and serves as a crucial preparation ground for players ahead of the US Open. The withdrawal of prominent players like Sinner and Djokovic raises questions about the tournament's competitive landscape and the potential impact on audience engagement. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how the remaining competitors adapt in the absence of these legendary athletes.

As the tournament dates approach, the focus will shift to how the remaining players prepare and whether any additional withdrawals will occur. The implications of these absences extend beyond the immediate competition, potentially influencing the ATP rankings and the broader tennis narrative as the sport moves towards the US Open later this summer.