Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic all missed the 2026 Canadian Open, and the tournament director has spoken candidly about these setbacks.
Alcaraz, who has been sidelined since April due to a right wrist injury, was never on the entry list for the Masters 1000 event in Montreal, while Sinner and Djokovic both withdrew on 24 July — the week before it began.
A total of 16 players — eight men and eight women — pulled out of the combined ATP/WTA 1000 tournament in Canada before main draw play got underway.
Valerie Tetreault, a Canadian former WTA player, was appointed as the National Bank Open tournament director in 2022.
Speaking to L’Equipe, Tetreault was open about the blow of Sinner and Djokovic withdrawing on the same day before this year’s event.
“This is my fourth tournament and I think it was one of my toughest days,” said Tetreault.
“Normally, tough days are related to the weather, but here we had a lot of setbacks to take in a short period of time.
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“If we had to write an ideal scenario, we wouldn’t have written it like this.
“We like surprises (smile), but we especially like a balance between surprises and big seeds who are doing well.”
Asked about the success of rising players like Rafael Jodar, Jakub Mensik and Arthur Fils in Montreal, Tetreault said: “I’d like the story to unfold so that this becomes something of a Next Gen tournament.
“I think it could be quite interesting for local fans to be among the first to see them all advance in a tournament at the same time.”
She added, though, that Ben Shelton defending his title would be a popular outcome for the event’s organisers.
“I can’t hide it, we’d welcome a victory from Ben Shelton,” said Tetreault.
“He’s the defending champion and the most recognisable name still in the draw.
Prior to the Canadian Open, Tetreault said the late withdrawals from the tournament “raises a broader issue for our sport.”
“We respect their decisions and understand that, with such a demanding schedule, players’ health must remain the priority,” she said.
“That said, we believe the frequency of these last-minute withdrawals in the last few years raises a broader issue for our sport.
“Masters 1000 events are among the flagship tournaments on the tour, and fans rightfully expect to see the world’s best compete.
“We are already in discussions with the ATP to ensure this matter receives serious consideration.”
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