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Major Withdrawals Elevate Zverev and Fritz to Top Seeds at Canadian Open

The 96-player event kicks off July 27 in a newly extended two-week schedule that has drawn scrutiny over player fatigue and wellness.

Alexander Zverev of Germany returns to Arthur Rinderknech of France in their first-round men's singles match at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Monday, June 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Tennis - Wimbledon - All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain - July 13, 2025 Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in action during his men's singles final against Italy's Jannik Sinner REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge/File Photo
Tennis - Wimbledon - All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain - July 13, 2025 Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in action during his men's singles final against Italy's Jannik Sinner REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq/File Photo
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Overview

  • Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Jack Draper and Carlos Alcaraz have pulled out citing health issues ranging from muscle strains to arm and groin injuries.
  • World No. 3 Alexander Zverev and No. 4 Taylor Fritz now occupy the top seed positions in the reshaped draw.
  • The National Bank Open begins in Toronto on July 27 and runs through August 7 in an expanded 12-day, 96-player format.
  • Players and commentators have warned that the compressed hard-court swing just two weeks after Wimbledon intensifies demands on athlete wellness.
  • The tournament serves as the final tune-up for the U.S. Open, which begins August 24 in New York.