Janic Ciner and Novak Djokovic withdrew from the Canadian Open after the schedule change was called for.

The Canadian Open’s tournament director says players need to adjust to “demanding schedules” after Janic Ciner and Novak Djokovic withdrew from the Masters 1000 event.

Ciner, who beat Alexander Zverev to win the Wimbledon title this month, said he had withdrawn from the ATP tournament, which takes place Aug. 2-13 in Montreal, to prioritize his health.

Carlos Alcaraz will also miss the Canadian Open His recovery continues A wrist injury that has kept him out since April.

“We are obviously very disappointed that Janic and Novak will not be joining us in Montreal this year, especially after they withdrew from last year’s tournament in Toronto,” said Valérie Tetreault, tournament director of the Canadian Open.

“We respect their decision and understand that, with such a demanding schedule, the health of the players must be a priority.

“That said, we believe that the frequency of these last-minute withdrawals over the past few years raises a wider issue for our sport.

“The Masters 1000 events are among the tour’s flagship tournaments, and fans rightly expect to see the world’s best compete.

“We are already in discussions with the ATP to ensure that this matter is taken seriously.”

The Canadian Open is held before the Cincinnati Open, which is also a Masters 1000 event, and before the start of the US Open – the final Grand Slam of the year – on August 30.

Seven of the nine existing Masters 1000 events – the highest level of play below the Grand Slams – are now staged over 12 days, and concerns over the congested tennis calendar covering 11 months of the year for top players, Regularly voiced.

Britain’s Jack Draper and Emma Radukanu recently pulled out of Wimbledon on the eve of their home Grand Slam due to injuries.

draper, who withdrew with a long-term arm injury, Said he felt the number of injuries to leading players was “quite worrying”.

In September 2024, Alcaraz says: “They’re going to kill us one way or another.”

“We strongly believe that in the near future we need to make adjustments to better protect the integrity of the Masters 1000 event and be aware of the realities that players face,” added Tétreault.

Earlier this year, women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Suatek withdrew from the Dubai Championships, a WTA 1000 event, two days before it was due to start.

Tournament director Salah Tahlak said players who withdrew late from the tournament should be docked points, while Sabalenka said His criticism was “ridiculous” and he may not play in the tournament again.