Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic have pulled out of the 2026 Canadian Open, citing health and schedule concerns. Their decisions add to growing pressure on tennis governing bodies to rethink a calendar that many players say is unsustainable.
Why the withdrawals matter
The Canadian Open is one of the biggest hard-court events leading into the US Open. Losing two of the sport's biggest names — Sinner, the world No. 1, and Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion — sends a clear signal. Both players have been vocal about the physical toll of a season that runs nearly 11 months. Djokovic has previously said the schedule leaves little time for recovery. Sinner, still in his mid-20s, has also flagged burnout risks.
Their absence doesn't just thin the draw. It raises questions about whether top players see mandatory Masters 1000 events as optional when their bodies or minds need a break. The ATP and WTA have already faced criticism for packing the calendar with tournaments that offer big prize money but little flexibility.
A calendar under strain
The 2026 season is particularly packed. The Australian Open ended in late January, followed by a string of hard-court events, then the clay season, Wimbledon, and the Olympics. Many players complained about the lack of a proper off-season. Sinner's camp said his withdrawal was due to accumulated fatigue and a minor injury that needed rest. Djokovic, at 38, has been managing his schedule more carefully, skipping events to preserve his body for majors.
This isn't the first time top players have skipped the Canadian Open. But the simultaneous exits of the world No. 1 and the sport's most decorated champion have amplified calls for reform. Player councils have been pushing for a shorter season, mandatory rest periods, and fewer mandatory tournaments.
What reform could look like
Discussions have centered on reducing the number of mandatory Masters 1000 events from nine to seven, or making them non-mandatory for players over a certain age or ranking threshold. Another idea is a longer off-season — currently just five to six weeks — to allow for proper recovery and training blocks. The ATP has floated a trial of a two-week break after the US Open, but no changes have been finalized.
Critics argue that the current system rewards quantity over quality. Players who skip events face ranking penalties, which can hurt their seeding at Grand Slams. That creates a perverse incentive to play through pain. Sinner and Djokovic's decisions show that even the best are willing to take the hit.
The Canadian Open organizers have said they respect the players' choices and are focused on delivering a strong field. But the tournament's prestige takes a hit when the top seeds are absent. The ATP and WTA are expected to present a revised calendar proposal at their next joint meeting in March 2026. Whether that proposal will go far enough remains an open question.
