Canadian Open Two-Week Format Draws Criticism From Fans, Players

The 2026 Canadian Open is facing significant criticism from fans and players over its expanded two-week format, even as the women's tournament in Toronto delivers a dramatic race for the world No. 1 ranking. The event, which runs from August 1 to 13, is being held simultaneously in Toronto for the WTA and Montreal for the ATP, a structure that has amplified concerns about the schedule's impact on match flow and fan experience.

The men's draw in Montreal has been particularly affected by the absence of top stars. Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic all withdrew before the tournament began, a development that tournament organizers had anticipated with concern. Their absence, combined with early upsets, has left the quarterfinals with a field where five of the eight remaining players are aged 22 or under. This has sparked a broader debate about the sport's reliance on its biggest names. Former player and analyst Mark Petchey argued that the focus on stars like Sinner and Alcaraz has become so heavy that their absence devalues tournaments. He proposed reducing the number of seeded players from 32 to just the top four to increase early-round drama and create more...