PTPA Warns of Increased Injury Risks Following Canadian Open Withdrawals

The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) stated on Monday that a series of withdrawals from the Canadian Open highlights growing concerns over the professional tennis calendar and the expansion of top level events. The advocacy group argued that reduced recovery time between tournaments is causing injuries to occur earlier in the season and become more severe.

High profile absences from the men's event include world number one Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, who cited a wrist injury, and Felix Auger-Aliassime, who withdrew due to a back injury. The women's tournament is also missing defending champion Victoria Mboko, Karolina Muchova, Emma Raducanu, and Jasmine Paolini due to injuries. Tournament organizers noted last month that recurring late withdrawals from Masters 1000 events have become a broader issue for the sport.

To support its claims, the PTPA cited a project led by medical director Dr. Robby Sikka that analyzed data from over 30,000 professional matches over eight years. The association reported that upper body injuries increased by 42 percent in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, while arm injuries rose by 112 percent compared to the previous season's average.

The PTPA specifically criticized the ATP's OneVision strategic plan, which expanded seven of nine Masters 1000 tournaments to 12 day events starting in 2025. The group stated that short term commercial interests should not come at the expense of player health and urged the ATP to reverse the 12 day format. The PTPA further called for a data driven restructuring of the calendar, suggesting that mandatory commitments be reduced and players be given a meaningful role in shaping the schedule.

The ATP has previously responded that players maintain the right to choose their own schedules and that the organization is working on incentives to ensure an appropriate number of matches are played. Representatives for the ATP and WTA did not immediately respond to requests for comment.