In the world of tennis, anticipation is building for the upcoming Masters 1000 in Montreal. This prestigious tournament will serve as a crucial test for players as they gear up for the US Open later this month. Following the event in Montreal, the tennis world will turn its attention to the Masters 1000 in Cincinnati, taking place in Ohio.
The proximity of the Paris Olympics has thrown a curveball into the mix, as uncertainty looms over which players will make an appearance at the Canadian Open this year. With the Olympic final scheduled for Sunday, August 4th, it will be a tight turnaround for the finalists to travel to Canada and compete on a different surface, transitioning from red clay to hard court.
Despite the challenges posed by the Olympic schedule, young talent Jannik Sinner is confirmed to be in Montreal. Battling a bout of tonsillitis that kept him out of the Paris Games, the world number 1 has wasted no time in hitting the practice courts in preparation for the tournament. Sinner will aim to defend the 1000 points he earned in Toronto last year, marking his maiden victory at a Masters 1000 event.
Meanwhile, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has opted to skip the Canadian event, a tournament he has not participated in since 2018. The Serbian star is eyeing a return to Cincinnati as his sole warm-up ahead of the US Open. With titles in Ohio and New York last year, Djokovic faces the pressure of defending a substantial number of ranking points.
Rising star Carlos Alcaraz, however, will be absent from the Montreal draw. The young Spaniard, who impressed with a semifinal run at the Paris Olympics, cited a minor thigh issue as the reason for his withdrawal. Looking ahead to Cincinnati, the 21-year-old from Murcia expressed regret over missing the chance to compete in Canada this year.
In his own words, Alcaraz remarked, “It has been a very long season for me and due to the accumulation of matches and fatigue, I will not be able to play in Montreal this year. I was really looking forward to coming back to Canada and enjoying the love of the fans. Hope to see everyone in Montreal in the years to come!”
As the Masters 1000 in Montreal draws near, the tennis world is abuzz with speculation and excitement, eager to witness the drama and competition that lies ahead.
