Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old Spanish tennis sensation ranked world No. 2, has made a significant decision to withdraw from the 2025 Canadian Open, a prestigious Masters 1000 event scheduled for July 27–August 7 in Toronto. The announcement, released at 05:38 PM WAT on Monday, July 21, 2025—just 18 minutes ago—comes as a shock to fans, marking the latest high-profile exit from the tournament. Alcaraz cited the need for rest and recovery following an exhausting season, particularly after his heartbreaking Wimbledon final loss to Jannik Sinner on July 13, 2025. This move reflects a growing trend among top players, with Sinner and Novak Djokovic also pulling out, reshaping the field and intensifying focus on emerging contenders like Alexander Zverev.
The Spaniard, who reached the quarter-finals in Toronto in 2023 with a notable win over Hubert Hurkacz, expressed his regret in a statement via his team: “I’m really sad to miss Toronto again this year, especially because I love the city and the fans there have always been amazing. But after such an intense few months, I need to take care of my body and mind to be ready for the rest of the season.” Alcaraz’s 2025 campaign has been remarkable, featuring a 24-match win streak, titles at the French Open and Queen’s Club, and a career-best 52-9 record. However, the Wimbledon defeat—his first Grand Slam final loss—ended a 20-match All England Club run, leaving him emotionally and physically drained, as seen in his post-match tears and subsequent Cádiz getaway.
This withdrawal underscores concerns about Alcaraz’s physical resilience, with past injuries like hand arthritis and forearm edema prompting earlier absences, such as Monte-Carlo and Rome in 2024. His coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, has emphasized the importance of managing his workload, noting Alcaraz is at “65% or 70% of his potential” due to mental and physical demands. The decision to skip Toronto, where he has a 5-2 record, aligns with a strategic break, with Alcaraz planning to return at the Cincinnati Masters (August 11–18, 2025) to defend his ranking points and prepare for the US Open, starting August 24. This mirrors Sinner’s recent withdrawal, both players opting for extended recovery to safeguard their US Open campaigns.
The Canadian Open, now without its top three seeds, faces a reshaped draw, boosting opportunities for players like Zverev, who’s training with Toni Nadal, and Daniil Medvedev. Fans on social platforms like X express disappointment but support the move, with @tennisinsider noting, “Smart call by Carlos to recharge—better than risking burnout.” Alcaraz’s absence, coupled with his recent 6-5 head-to-head lead over Sinner, shifts the narrative toward his rivals’ readiness, while his focus on long-term health signals a maturing approach. As the clock ticks to 05:56 PM WAT, this withdrawal marks a pivotal moment, setting the stage for Alcaraz’s anticipated return in Cincinnati to reclaim his form.
