Alcaraz joins rush to the Toronto exits

Carlos Alcaraz blamed Wimbledon exertions for his Monday decision to pull from the upcoming Toronto Masters, joining world No. 1 rival Jannik Sinner, 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic and British No. 1 Jack Draper on the sidelines in Canada.

With two of the ATP top 3 missing and third-ranked Alexandr were considered at least doubtful due to the recent mental health and motivational worries which he says have left him empty, the event is looking like an orphan on the packed-out ATP calendar.

The top seeding might well go to Taylor Fritz if Zverev stays away from the circuit after withdrawing from last week’s Gstaad clay event in Switzerland. 

Five-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz blamed generic weariness from his Wimbledon finals loss to Sinner for his absence.

“I’m really sad to have to miss Toronto,” Alcaraz said in a statement. “I tried my best to be ready for the tournament as it’s one I really enjoy playing.

“But it comes just too soon for me as I recover after Wimbledon. I look forward to being back on the Canadian courts next year.”

Alcaraz did not play Canada a year ago but made a modest Toronto quarter-final in 2023.

Two others were added to the growing pullout list, including Sebastian Korda (leg injury) and Hubert Hurkacz (knee surgery).