Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime says National Bank Open withdrawals ‘unfortunate’

By Canadian Press on July 22, 2025.

TORONTO — Felix Auger-Aliassime feels for Canadian tennis fans who are disappointed by the withdrawals of big-name players from the National Bank Open.

Top ranked Jannik Sinner, world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz and former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic have all pulled out from the tennis tournament in the past two days.

The National Bank Open is the only ATP Tour and WTA Tour event in Canada, with Toronto hosting the men this year and Montreal welcoming the women.

Auger-Aliassime says it’s unfortunate for the tournament, tournament director, and especially Canadian tennis fans.

The 24-year-old from Montreal threw out the opening pitch at Rogers Centre before the Toronto Blue Jays hosted the New York Yankees.

Jack Draper, Sebastian Korda, Hubert Hurkacz and Jordan Thompson have also withdrawn from the tournament since Sunday.

This year’s edition of the National Bank Open features an expanded 12-day, 96-player format.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 22, 2025.

The Canadian Press