Alcaraz withdraws from Toronto as he recovers from intense season
Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Canadian Open in Toronto to prioritize recovery after a demanding stretch that included two Grand Slam finals
Carlos Alcaraz, 2025 | © Chryslène Caillaud / PsNewz
Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the 2025 National Bank Open in Toronto, citing the need for physical and mental recovery after a gruelling summer stretch that included back-to-back Grand Slam finals. The world No 2 made the announcement on social media, saying he was dealing with minor muscle issues and needed time to rest ahead of the US Open, starting on August 25.
“After many consecutive weeks of competition without rest, I will not be able to play in Toronto this year,” Alcaraz wrote on social media. “I have small muscle issues and I need to recover physically and mentally for what comes next. To the tournament and to my fans in Canada I am very sorry, I will see you next year.”
His decision follows a physically and emotionally demanding campaign that saw him win the French Open in June and then lose to Jannik Sinner in five sets in the Wimbledon final ten days ago. In 2025 alone, Alcaraz has played over 55 matches by late July, including wins in Rome, Queen’s, Paris, and a road to the final in London.
Lessons from 2024 Alcaraz burnout
The withdrawal also comes with the lessons of 2024 still fresh. Last summer, Alcaraz entered the North American hard-court swing with high expectations but flamed out early in each event. In Cincinnati, he was upset in the second round by Gaël Monfils in three sets after a rain-delayed match disrupted his rhythm.
At the US Open, he suffered a shock second-round loss to Botic van de Zandschulp, marking his earliest Grand Slam exit since 2021. Both losses raised concerns about his scheduling, and afterward, Alcaraz admitted he had mismanaged his recovery windows.
The field in Toronto has taken a significant hit, with Alcaraz joining a growing list of high-profile withdrawals. World No 1 Sinner pulled out earlier this month with a knee issue. Novak Djokovic is skipping the event for personal reasons. Jack Draper withdrew due to hip soreness.
That leaves Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz – currently playing in Washington – as the top two seeds remaining in the men’s draw.
Alcaraz back at Cincinnati?
The decision by so many top players to sit out the Canadian Open reflects a broader concern on the tour about the physical toll of the expanded Masters 1000 calendar.
The Masters 1000 tournament, which begins July 27 and runs through August 7, marks the start of the US. hardcourt season that culminates with the US Open.
The rest of the summer swing continues with the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati from August 11 to 18, followed by the Winston-Salem Open from August 18 to 24.
Alcaraz is expected to return to action in Cincinnati as he aims to peak for the year’s final Grand Slam. After learning the hard way in 2024, he appears more focused on balance, pacing, and long-term success.
