Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis prodigy and world No. 3, has withdrawn from the Montreal Masters, joining Novak Djokovic in sitting out the National Bank Open, set to begin August 6, 2025. The announcement, confirmed by tournament organizers on Thursday, deals a blow to the event, robbing it of two of tennis’s biggest stars. Fresh off a stellar Paris Olympics quarterfinal run, Alcaraz cited fatigue as the reason, a decision shaped by a grueling 2025 season that saw him conquer both the French Open and Wimbledon.
“It’s been an exhausting season with so many matches,” Alcaraz said in a statement. “Due to fatigue, I won’t play in Montreal this year. I was excited to return to Canada and feel the fans’ love. I hope to be back soon!” The move reflects the physical toll of his relentless campaign across clay, grass, and now the Olympic stage, prompting the young star to prioritize recovery over an abrupt shift to hard courts.
The National Bank Open, a key stop in the North American hard-court swing, loses a major draw in Alcaraz, whose explosive baseline game and deft court craft make him a fan favorite and title contender. His absence reshapes the tournament’s dynamics, dimming prospects for blockbuster matchups and impacting ticket sales. As the reigning Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion, Alcaraz’s versatility has shone, but the wear of a packed schedule has forced a strategic pause.
This marks the third time Alcaraz has tweaked his North American plans to manage his workload. Two years ago, in his Montreal debut as a two-time Masters champion, he stumbled, falling to Tommy Paul in his opener. He bounced back in 2023’s Toronto edition, reaching the quarterfinals before Paul struck again. These setbacks fueled Alcaraz’s growth, propelling him to four Grand Slam titles and a meteoric rise, though they underscore the challenges of sustaining peak performance at 21.
Alcaraz’s 2025 highlights include a doubles stint at the Paris Olympics with Rafael Nadal, though they exited early. In singles, he’s still in contention, gearing up for a semifinal clash against either Casper Ruud or Felix Auger-Aliassime. An Olympic singles medal would cap a remarkable season, adding to his glittering resume.
With Alcaraz and Djokovic out, Montreal opens doors for others. Daniil Medvedev, a hard-court maestro, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, a Masters mainstay, could seize the spotlight, while young guns like Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune eye deep runs. The shifted field promises fresh drama, though it lacks the star power of the absent titans.
Alcaraz’s bond with Canadian fans remains strong. His heartfelt message signals a future return to the National Bank Open, where his charisma, humility, and passion have won hearts. Skipping Montreal sets his sights on the US Open, the year’s final Grand Slam. His 2022 Flushing Meadows triumph proved his hard-court prowess, and a rested Alcaraz could dominate New York’s intense courts.
For now, fans must wait to see Alcaraz’s hard-court return. His withdrawal reflects a mature approach, prioritizing longevity and peak form over a grueling schedule. While Montreal misses his magic, Alcaraz’s calculated rest ensures he’ll remain a thrilling force in the tournaments ahead.