Carlos Alcaraz has made an unusual decision by opting to withdraw from the National Bank Open in Toronto, marking a rare break from his typically packed schedule as he prepares for the US Open 2025. Announced on July 21, 2025, at 05:38 PM WAT, the 22-year-old Spanish world No. 2 cited the need to rest and recover following an intense season, a move that deviates from his usual approach of competing in nearly every major event to defend points and maintain momentum. This decision comes after his Wimbledon 2025 final loss to Jannik Sinner on July 13, where he pushed his body to the limit, and follows a grueling year that included titles at the French Open, Monte Carlo, Rome, and Queen’s Club, alongside a 52-9 record.
Alcaraz explained his choice via a statement, emphasizing physical and mental fatigue: “I have small muscle issues and I need to recover physically and mentally for what comes next.” This withdrawal marks only the second time he has skipped a Masters 1000 event in 2025, the first being the Madrid Open due to a forearm injury, highlighting its rarity given his reputation for relentless participation—evidenced by his 28 tournament appearances in 2024 alone. The decision leaves him with just 60 points to defend at the US Open compared to Sinner’s 3,200, a strategic gamble to ensure peak condition for the August 24 start, where he aims to reclaim the No. 1 ranking.
Uncharacteristically, Alcaraz has chosen to forgo the Canadian Open, where he reached the quarter-finals in 2023, opting instead for an extended break at his Murcia training base before returning at the Cincinnati Masters on August 11. This break includes light training and family time, a departure from his norm of immediate tournament action post-Majors. His team, led by Juan Carlos Ferrero, supports this move, noting recent “small muscle niggles” that require attention to avoid aggravating past injuries like hand arthritis and forearm edema. The decision also reflects his recent admission of mental health struggles, with a mental coach aiding him to manage negative thoughts, suggesting a holistic approach to his preparation.
Fans and analysts on X have mixed reactions, with some praising his caution (@tennisinsider: “Smart move to protect his body”), while others question the risk to his ranking (@carlosfan23: “Hope he doesn’t regret skipping Toronto”). This unusual step, confirmed as Alcaraz enjoys a rare quiet moment at 06:40 PM WAT on July 25, 2025, underscores a maturing strategy, balancing his aggressive playing style with long-term career sustainability as he eyes a sixth Grand Slam title.
