Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish tennis sensation, has announced his withdrawal from next week’s ATP Montreal Masters, citing exhaustion from an intense and successful season. Alcaraz, who has been a standout performer on the tennis circuit this year, made the decision public on Thursday, attributing his withdrawal to fatigue after a grueling schedule that includes winning the French Open and Wimbledon, as well as competing in the Paris Olympics.
In a statement, Alcaraz expressed his disappointment at missing the event, saying, “It has been a very long season for me, and due to the accumulation of matches and fatigue, I will not be able to play in Montreal this year. I was really looking forward to coming back to Canada and enjoying the love of the fans. Hope to see everyone in Montreal in the years to come.”
The decision to withdraw from the Montreal Masters, part of the ATP Masters 1000 series, reflects the demanding nature of the tennis season. Alcaraz, who is currently ranked third in the world, has had a stellar year with a record of 37-6. His performances include clinching titles at the French Open and Wimbledon, a feat that requires significant physical and mental endurance. Additionally, Alcaraz is in the midst of a competitive run at the Paris Olympics, further contributing to his physical strain.
Despite his absence from Montreal, Alcaraz is expected to participate in the Cincinnati Masters later this month, another crucial preparation event leading up to the US Open. Last year, he reached the final in Cincinnati, showcasing his ability to perform at a high level in the lead-up to major tournaments. The US Open, beginning on August 26, will be Alcaraz’s next major challenge as he aims to secure his second Grand Slam title in three seasons.
The withdrawal of Alcaraz from Montreal is a significant loss for the tournament. The Spaniard’s electrifying performances and charismatic presence have made him a fan favorite. Tournament director Valerie Tetreault expressed the disappointment of organizers, noting, “We’re obviously disappointed that Carlos will not be with us this year. We were also well aware that he has had a busy summer and is currently on a quest to achieve a major feat: winning consecutive French Open, Wimbledon, and Olympic titles.”
Alcaraz’s withdrawal is not the only change in the Montreal lineup. The tournament also announced the withdrawals of 26th-ranked Francisco Cerundolo and 30th-ranked Jiri Lehecka. These withdrawals have created openings in the draw, allowing players like American Marcos Giron, ranked 38th, Australia’s 63rd-ranked Alexei Popyrin, and Italy’s 48th-ranked Flavio Cobolli to secure spots in the main draw.
As the tournament approaches, Alcaraz’s absence will undoubtedly be felt by fans and organizers alike. However, his decision to prioritize rest and recovery is a testament to the demanding nature of professional tennis and the importance of maintaining physical well-being to sustain peak performance throughout the season.
In summary, Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal from the Montreal ATP Masters due to fatigue underscores the physical toll of a high-stakes tennis season. While fans in Montreal will miss his presence, the decision aligns with his goal of remaining competitive at the upcoming US Open and continuing his impressive career trajectory.
