Organisers of the Montreal tennis tournament raise concerns after top players withdraw or skip the event close to the start. Reports say that Italian player Jannik Sinner and Serbian player Novak Djokovic are not taking part in the Montreal stop, prompting questions about how late pullouts affect planning and competitive integrity.
Both outlets note that the withdrawals come amid a broader debate among players about the demands of the men’s tour schedule. Some players and stakeholders argue that the near year-round calendar has become too demanding, increasing the likelihood of injuries, fatigue, or strategic rest that can lead to late changes.
Organisers’ concerns focus on the impact that late withdrawals have on the tournament’s operations, including ticketing and match planning, and on what it means for fans expecting marquee players. The situation also renews scrutiny of whether the schedule’s intensity contributes to increased withdrawals.
While reasons for the specific absences are not detailed in the provided summaries, both reports indicate that the episode is prompting calls for greater consideration of player workload and the timing of withdrawals.
