Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the National Bank Open, depriving the men's tennis tournament in Toronto of yet another star player.
Alcaraz said in a statement issued by tournament organizers Monday the tournament comes too soon after his appearance in the Wimbledon final on July 13.
The world No. 2 announced his withdrawal the day after top-ranked Jannik Sinner, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic and world No. 5 Jack Draper pulled out of the ATP Masters-level hardcourt event, citing injuries.
The Masters 1000 tournament runs from July 26 to Aug. 7 at Sobeys Stadium.
Sinner, who defeated Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final for his fourth major trophy, said he injured his elbow in a fall at the All England Club. He won his first Masters title in Toronto in 2023.
"Winning that title in Toronto two years ago was the start of a really special moment for me, but after speaking with my team, I have to recover," Sinner said.
Djokovic. who lost to Sinner in the semifinals at Wimbledon, blamed a groin injury for his withdrawal from an event he has won four times, while Draper is recovering from a forearm injury.
Draper will miss Toronto and the Cincinnati Masters next month, meaning he won't have any hard-court tune-up tournament before the U.S. Open begins on Aug. 24.
"After Wimbledon I picked up an injury in my left arm, nothing serious, but I have to make sure it recovers fully for the rest of the season," Draper posted on social media. "Unfortunately, I won't be able to compete in Toronto and Cincinnati... See you in NYC!"
The women's NBO tournament in Montreal has also had high-profile players withdraw, including world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
The NBO tournaments start Saturday with one-day qualifying events.