Stubbs defends Djokovic and Sinner’s withdrawals from Canadian Open
Rennae Stubbs, the former doubles world No. 1 who coaches Serena Williams, has spoken out in defence of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic after both pulled out of this year’s Canadian Open, reports BritPanorama.
The 55-year-old Australian addressed the issue on her podcast, describing the current tennis schedule as deeply problematic. “How do we change this narrative of this calendar being such a nightmare?” Stubbs asked, lamenting the loss of the sport’s biggest names from one of the ATP’s nine Masters 1000 events.
The tournament has repeatedly suffered from star withdrawals owing to its proximity to both the Cincinnati Open and the US Open. Stubbs offered a detailed explanation for why she sympathises with Sinner’s decision, pointing to the Italian’s punishing workload throughout the season. “I don’t blame Jannik for not playing,” she said, noting the toll of competing across the clay-court swing before suffering a difficult second-round defeat at Roland Garros.
The world No. 1 then went on to successfully defend his Wimbledon crown without any warm-up events beforehand, which Stubbs suggested may reflect a lesson learned about managing his physical demands. She indicated that Sinner’s gruelling run of tournaments earlier in the campaign made stepping back from Canada an entirely reasonable choice.
Stubbs also took aim at those who questioned the decision, dismissing suggestions that Sinner should have competed in Canada to pursue a clean sweep of all Masters 1000 titles this season. “And people have the audacity to say, ‘Well he has the opportunity to win all the Masters 1000s this year. Why wouldn’t he do it?’ Do you think he cares about that?” she said.
The coach insisted that Sinner’s sole focus at this stage is positioning himself to triumph at Flushing Meadows. In her view, skipping Canada allows him to rest adequately, prepare properly for Cincinnati, and then take a further week off before the US Open begins.
The withdrawals previously drew a response from Canadian Open tournament director Valerie Tetreault, who called on the ATP to implement changes that would prevent such high-profile absences in future editions. Tetreault expressed understanding for the players’ need to safeguard their health, whilst making clear that the governing body must act.
Carlos Alcaraz had already removed himself from the field at an earlier stage as he continues to recover from a wrist injury, further depleting the men’s draw of its marquee attractions.
Main draw play at this year’s Canadian Open is scheduled to commence on Sunday, 2 August.
