Injuries Reshape Toronto Masters Lineup Ahead of US Open 2025 Tennis Season

Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Jack Draper have officially withdrawn from the forthcoming Toronto Masters 1000 tournament, which promises a reshuffled player lineup. Their absence, attributed to various injuries, has prompted changes in strategic preparations for many competitors on the ATP Tour.

Sinner, the reigning Wimbledon champion and current ATP-ranked number one, cited an injury to his right elbow as the reason behind his decision. This injury, sustained during his victorious run at Wimbledon, indicates a necessary recovery period which precludes his participation. Sinner expressed his disappointment, reminiscing about his first Masters 1000 title in Toronto back in 2023, stating that the win marked a pivotal moment in his career.

Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion and four-time winner of the National Bank Open in Toronto, has also chosen to withdraw due to a groin injury. Djokovic fell to Sinner in a closely contested semi-final at Wimbledon, and his decision reflects his cautious approach to managing his fitness ahead of the US Open later this summer.

British number one Jack Draper has been sidelined with a left arm injury. Draper, who made headlines with his remarkable performance reaching the US Open semi-finals in 2024, announced his withdrawal from the Toronto event as well as the Cincinnati Masters. Despite downplaying the severity of the injury, Draper emphasized the necessity of a full recovery to ensure his readiness for the US Open, which commences on August 24.

These withdrawals underscore ongoing conversations within the ATP Tour about the physical demands placed on players. The strenuous tour schedule and its impact on athletes' health have become key talking points, especially as top players like Draper, Sinner, and Djokovic opt to manage their commitments carefully. This has added fuel to discussions around potential restructuring to better align players’ health with tour demands.

In anticipation of the absence of these high-profile stars, the focus in Toronto will turn to Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev. Alcaraz, alongside former champions like Zverev, is positioned to lead a competitive field. They will be joined by other notable players such as Taylor Fritz, Lorenzo Musetti, Holger Rune, and local Canadian talents Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime.

The National Bank Open promises a showcase of resilience and prowess as the ATP Tour continues to adapt to the evolving landscape of professional tennis. The call for a balance between competition and player well-being remains critical, echoed by athletes and officials alike. As players gear up for the North American hard-court swing, all eyes will eventually turn toward the US Open, where the world's best will vie for glory under the bright lights of New York.