Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1 and newly crowned Wimbledon 2025 champion, has revealed a significant adjustment to his schedule, withdrawing from the upcoming National Bank Open in Toronto to prioritize recovery and long-term performance. The announcement, made at 12:00 PM WAT on Monday, July 21, 2025, marks a strategic pivot for the 23-year-old Italian, who stunned Carlos Alcaraz with a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory at Wimbledon on July 13. This decision comes after a grueling season that includes a 26-3 record, two Grand Slam titles (Australian Open and Wimbledon), and a three-month doping ban earlier in 2025, highlighting the physical and mental toll of his rise.
Sinner, who won the Toronto Masters in 2023 as an unseeded player, expressed genuine regret in a statement via his team: “I’m very sad that I can’t play in Toronto, especially because I have such warm memories from my title there two years ago and the incredible support from the fans.” However, he underscored the necessity of this break, noting, “After such an intense period with back-to-back deep runs at Majors, I need to take care of my body and mind to be ready for the rest of the season.” The withdrawal allows him to avoid the Masters 1000 event, scheduled for August 4-11, 2025, and instead focus on recuperation at his training base in Monte Carlo.
The Italian plans to return at the Cincinnati Masters, where he will defend his 2024 title, starting August 11, 2025, as his final tune-up before the US Open, which begins August 24. This adjustment reflects a calculated approach by Sinner and his coach, Darren Cahill, to manage his workload, especially after overcoming a doping suspension and a five-match losing streak to Alcaraz. His recent success, including an 81-2 record against non-Alcaraz players since November 2023, underscores his dominance, but the decision also addresses lingering concerns about his physical resilience, notably after a back niggle surfaced during Wimbledon prep.
Fans and analysts on social platforms have mixed reactions, with some praising his caution—@tennisinsider tweeted, “Smart move by Sinner to protect his body for the US Open run”—while others lament missing his Toronto clash with Alcaraz. Sinner’s choice aligns with a trend among top players like Carlos Alcaraz, who is also resting post-Wimbledon, signaling a shift toward prioritizing longevity over immediate points. As the clock ticks toward 12:30 PM WAT, this move positions Sinner to arrive fresh in Cincinnati, where he’ll face a reloaded field, including a potential rematch with Alcaraz, setting the stage for a thrilling US Open buildup. This schedule change not only safeguards his health but also reinforces his status as a strategic champion poised for further glory.
