Zverev’s Montreal Exit and Auger-Aliassime’s Injury Leave Canadian Open Without Top Seeds
The Canadian Open in Montreal has been hit by a series of shocks, leaving the ATP Masters 1000 event without any of its top-five seeds heading into the third round. The biggest casualty came on Wednesday when Alexander Zverev, the tournament’s top seed, was eliminated in a major upset, while second seed and local favourite Felix Auger-Aliassime was forced to withdraw before his second-round match due to a back injury. These developments have decimated the draw, which had already lost Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic before the first ball was struck.
Zverev, who enjoyed a breakthrough year that included his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, was considered one of the main contenders in Montreal. However, he could not find his best level and fell to Tallon Griekspoor in a second-round match at IGA Stadium. The German’s early exit is a significant blow to the tournament, as he was expected to lead the field in the absence of the sport’s biggest names. His defeat, combined with Auger-Aliassime’s withdrawal, has left the event without any of the top five players in the world rankings, making the draw wide open.
Auger-Aliassime’s withdrawal was particularly poignant for the home crowd, who had hoped to see their compatriot contend for the title. The Canadian, who has been a fan favourite in Montreal, was forced to pull out due to a back injury, adding to the tournament’s woes. His absence, alongside Zverev’s exit, means that the remaining players will have a golden opportunity to claim a Masters 1000 title, but it also diminishes the star power of the event.
Despite these setbacks, the Canadian Open continues, with the remaining players vying for the title. The tournament has been marked by unpredictability, and the third round promises to be intriguing as lesser-known players step into the spotlight. For Zverev, the focus will now shift to the upcoming hard-court season, where he will look to bounce back from this disappointing result. For the Canadian Open, the challenge is to maintain excitement and attendance despite the absence of its biggest draws.
Shimanta Das 
