Ben Shelton Has His Say on Jannik Sinner's Latest Withdrawal: 'I Don't Think It's Sustainable'

 

Ben Shelton Defends Jannik Sinner's Canadian Open Withdrawal Amid Schedule Debate

World No. 8 Ben Shelton has come to the defense of Jannik Sinner following criticism surrounding the Italian's decision to withdraw from the upcoming Canadian Open.

Sinner recently confirmed that he would skip the ATP Masters 1000 event, explaining that his priority is to protect his health and manage his workload ahead of the remainder of the season. His withdrawal means tennis fans will also miss the chance to see him compete alongside fellow stars Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, who have also pulled out of the tournament.

Shelton Supports Sinner's Decision

Speaking during the Washington Open, Shelton made it clear that he understands why players sometimes need to make difficult scheduling decisions.

The American believes that maintaining physical fitness throughout the demanding ATP season is more important than playing every tournament on the calendar. According to Shelton, players know their own bodies best and should be free to make decisions that give them the best chance of staying healthy and performing at their highest level.

His comments add to the growing number of players and former professionals who have supported Sinner's choice.

Growing Debate Over the ATP Schedule

Sinner's withdrawal has sparked another discussion about the demanding ATP calendar.

Many fans were disappointed because the Italian had been on course to achieve a remarkable milestone by winning every ATP Masters 1000 tournament in a single season. Choosing to skip the Canadian Open effectively ends that possibility.

However, supporters argue that with the US Open approaching, prioritising recovery is a sensible decision for any player hoping to compete for another Grand Slam title.

Former Champions Also Offer Support

Former world No. 1 Kim Clijsters has also praised Sinner's decision, saying that listening to your body is essential during a long and physically demanding season.

With several top-ranked players managing heavy schedules, more voices within the tennis community are calling for greater emphasis on player health rather than expecting the biggest stars to compete every week.

Eyes Now on the North American Swing

While Sinner prepares for his return later in the hard-court season, Ben Shelton continues his own impressive run in North America. The American has shown excellent form this year and is aiming to build momentum before the US Open.

As the ATP Tour heads toward its biggest events of the summer, the discussion surrounding scheduling, recovery, and player wellbeing is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

Final Thoughts

Ben Shelton's support for Jannik Sinner reflects a growing understanding among players that health and longevity must come before chasing every title. Although fans always want to see the world's best compete, managing the demands of a long season has become an increasingly important part of modern tennis.

Whether the ATP Tour eventually adjusts its calendar remains to be seen, but the conversation is becoming louder with every major withdrawal.