Frances Tiafoe Voices Concerns on Canadian Open Format
Frances Tiafoe has added his voice to the growing number of players expressing dissatisfaction with the upcoming format of the Canadian Open in 2025, particularly the day’s selection for the final match. Under a new structure, both the Canadian and Cincinnati Opens this year will extend to 12 days—a major shift from the previous duration of just seven. This change aims to allow more preparation time ahead of the tournaments but has also resulted in significant player withdrawals.
Notable Withdrawals
Notably absent from the men’s singles draw in Toronto are big names like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Novak Djokovic, among 15 total withdrawals, including Matteo Berrettini and Grigor Dimitrov.
Tiafoe’s Critique
At the recent Citi Open, Tiafoe did not hold back his thoughts on the scheduling. He lamented the unusual decision to hold the final on a Thursday instead of the customary Sunday, labeling it “garbage.” However, he noted that the longer competitions are somewhat more manageable given his proximity to the United States. Tiafoe remarked,
“It is what it is. It’s a bit shorter than Madrid or Rome, but the Thursday final? That’s just unfortunate. On the plus side, being close to home makes it easier if something goes wrong.”
Concerns Over Player Well-Being
Tennis players have been increasingly vocal about the grueling nature of the sport’s calendar. Taylor Fritz, another critic of the lengthy schedule, voiced strong concerns about the need for a reduced calendar during his conference at the Citi Open, calling it “insane” how much tennis is played without regard for players’ well-being.
Opportunities for Rising Competitors
With numerous elite players stepping back, the Canadian Open now presents a significant opportunity for rising competitors to capture their first Masters 1000 title—a feat Tiafoe, still seeking his first such victory, could potentially achieve. Last year’s surprising champion, Alexei Popyrin, secured his inaugural 1000-level title thanks to an unexpected run that culminated in a win over Andrey Rublev.
Upcoming Tournament Dynamics
In light of the withdrawals, Alexander Zverev is poised to take the top seed in Toronto. Rumors have circulated regarding him possibly collaborating with Rafael Nadal and Toni Nadal, following a recent photo of him with Alcaraz at the Rafa Nadal Academy. Meanwhile, Stefanos Tsitsipas has made headlines for his recent coaching decisions, reinstating his father after a notable split, adding another layer of intrigue to the tournament in Toronto.
