Why Jannik Sinner Is Making ‘Very Different’ Scheduling Decisions, According to Serena Williams’ Former Coach

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has officially withdrawn from the 2026 Canadian Open, choosing to prioritize his physical condition ahead of the busy North American hard-court swing.

The decision comes just over a week before the ATP Masters 1000 event begins in Montreal and follows the withdrawals of fellow stars Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, leaving the tournament without three of the biggest names in men's tennis.

Jannik Sinner Prioritizes Health Over a Packed Schedule

Sinner explained that his withdrawal was made with long-term fitness in mind after an intense first half of the season.

The Italian has enjoyed an extraordinary 2026 campaign, winning each of the first five ATP Masters 1000 tournaments he entered. He was also chasing a historic achievement—becoming the first player ever to win all nine Masters 1000 events in a single season.

Instead of pushing through another demanding tournament, Sinner and his team decided that rest was the smarter option before the Cincinnati Open and the US Open.

Rick Macci Explains Why Sinner's Situation Is Different

Renowned coach Rick Macci, who helped develop Serena Williams, believes Sinner faces a unique type of pressure compared to most players on tour.

According to Macci, every time Sinner steps onto the court, he is expected to win, creating a constant mental challenge alongside the physical demands of the ATP schedule.

Macci praised the Italian's decision, suggesting that carefully managing both body and mind is essential for a player carrying the expectations of being the world's top-ranked tennis player.

He emphasized that staying mentally sharp match after match requires extraordinary focus, making smart scheduling decisions more important than ever.

Canadian Open Faces More High-Profile Withdrawals

Sinner's withdrawal has renewed debate about the ATP calendar.

The Canadian Open tournament director recently called for changes to the demanding tennis schedule after several top players pulled out shortly before the event in recent years.

With Wimbledon ending only weeks before the Canadian Open, many players have struggled to recover in time for another Masters 1000 tournament.

This season, the event will also be without Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, who continues to recover from a wrist injury.

When Will Jannik Sinner Play Next?

Despite skipping Montreal, Sinner is expected to return at the Cincinnati Open, the final ATP Masters 1000 event before the US Open.

The tournament will be especially important as Sinner prepares to defend valuable ATP ranking points earned from last year's runner-up finish.

Although he has points to defend, his position at the top of the ATP Rankings currently remains secure.

Looking Ahead to the US Open

With the US Open fast approaching, Sinner's decision could prove to be a wise long-term move.

Rather than risking fatigue or injury, the Italian is focusing on arriving in New York fully prepared for the season's final Grand Slam.

As the world's No. 1 player, balancing recovery with competition has become one of the biggest challenges of his career. If his strategy pays off, Sinner could once again be among the favorites to lift another major trophy before the end of the 2026 season.

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