World number one, Jannik Sinner, and 24-time champion in major tournaments,Novak Djokovic, have withdrawn from theNational Bank OpenA week before the event starts in Toronto, the tournament made the announcement on Sunday. Both athletes mentioned injuries as the cause for their absence.
Number 5 Jack Draperalso stepped back, making the announcement through a social media post on Sunday. Sinner, coming off a win at Wimbledon, hurt his right elbow during the fourth round of the renowned event, whereas Djokovic is currently managing a groin injury.
Draper, on the other hand, is grappling with an issue in his left arm, which will also keep him out of the Cincinnati Masters. Djokovic has won the event four times, while Sinner snagged his first title at the tournament in 2023.
With Sinner and Djokovic out, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Germany’s Alexander Zverev will lead the men’s rankings. In the women’s category, in Montreal, the list is topped by Coco Gauff (No. 2), Jessica Pegula (No. 3), and Iga Swiatek (No. 4).
Number 1, Aryna Sabalenka, exited the tournament earlier this week, explaining that she wants to take a break and get ready for the US Open at the end of the month. The National Bank Open starts on July 26 and will continue until August 7.
