Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from the Canadian Open last night rocked the tournament, leaving it without its biggest stars for a second straight year.
However, for many, this felt totally expected.
After all, since the introduction of the 12-day Masters 1000 events, this event has suffered more than most given its proximity to Wimbledon.
One person who certainly didn’t see these withdrawals coming was the Canadian Open tournament director, Karl Hale.
Their decision has now made his claims last year look very foolish.
Canadian Open tournament director now looks foolish after 2025 comments
When Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Djokovic all withdrew from the 2025 event, Hale was frustrated.
He told Mundo Deportivo: “Obviously, we’re disappointed with the withdrawals.”
Jannik Sinner forfeits his chance at Masters 1000 history… What do you make of this decision? 😬
However, he tried to rationalise it, admitting: “But we’ve spoken with the players, we’ve spoken with the tour, Andrea [Gaudenzi], the CEO of the ATP. He’s coming this week, so we’ll be having discussions with him about how to improve the situation.
“It’s a new 12-day model, so we’ll work through the process. But so far we’re pleased with it and will continue to grow as we move forward.”
Then, appearing on the Nothing Major podcast, Hale made a promise which has just been proven incorrect.
He insisted: “Losing the top players is not something we desire. I believe Carlos and Jannik should consider our circuit, the ATP, and commit to playing.
“We are in talks with them to ensure they participate next year. In 2026, there will be three weeks between Wimbledon and Montreal. This year there were only two. That’s a significant change.”
Jannik Sinner has now put so much pressure on the US Open
Sinner’s decision to withdraw from the Canadian Open has put so much pressure now on his US Open campaign. He has effectively sacrificed his chance at creating history by winning all nine Masters 1000 titles in a single year.
Now, he simply must win the last Grand Slam of the year, or this decision will have massively backfired.
Who do you think will retire with more Grand Slam titles?
To apply such pressure to just one event seems like a huge gamble, even for someone as talented as him.
Sinner is clearly banking on Carlos Alcaraz not being at full fitness, and thus being unable to defend his title.
It remains to be seen whether this pays off, but even if it does, many will still question the decision to sacrifice the chance to do something no player in history ever has before.
