‘Something Going On Behind the Scenes’ – Jannik Sinner Backed by Clijsters Over Hardcourt Delay

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner recently made headlines with his decision to withdraw from the Canadian Open. While the move disappointed some fans hoping to see him in action early in the North American hard-court swing, it has earned high praise from Kim Clijsters, who knows exactly what it takes to handle the hectic tour calendar.

Speaking on her podcast, “Love All With Kim Clijsters,” alongside co-host Blair Henley, the four-time Grand Slam singles champion offered her perspective on the Italian star’s strategic scheduling.

Kim Clijsters Backs Jannik Sinner’s Canadian Open Withdrawal: “A Very Smart Choice”

Sinner’s 2026 season cemented his spot at the top of the sport, where he became the first man in history to win five successive Masters 1000 titles, at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, Madrid, and Rome.

Sinner looked unstoppable until the heat and the schedule finally took a physical toll at the French Open. Visibly exhausted, the World No. 1 suffered a second-round exit against Juan Manuel Cerundolo. However, he rested and made a comeback at the All England Club, where he successfully defended his Wimbledon title by battling past Alexander Zverev in a four-set final to capture his fifth Grand Slam.

The 24-year-old chose to skip Montreal, as he prioritizes his health over records.

And Clijsters supported Sinner’s decision. “I think that just shows that maybe there’s something going on behind the scenes, or maybe he’s just not physically or mentally ready after winning Wimbledon to go back and compete again at such an intense, high level.”

Clijsters’ mention of something going on behind the scenes points to the lingering fatigue and to Sinner’s historic, grueling Masters-winning streak, which was abruptly broken at the French Open. Furthermore, although he won Wimbledon, his usually dominating forehand looked somewhat out of rhythm, so this strategic break will allow him time to quietly refine his weapons ahead of New York.

The transition from the European summer straight into the North American hard-court stretch requires a quick turnaround. “These tournaments happen in a short amount of time, and you play a lot of intense tennis matches. I think it’s a very smart choice, knowing the team around him and Darren, and the way that they work. I’m sure they’ve thought about it for a while,”the Belgian added.

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As Novak Djokovic also pulled out of the National Bank Open, former champion Zverev and home favorite Felix Auger-Aliassime headline the Canadian ATP Masters 1000 event, which will be held from August 1 to 13 in Montreal.

Next on Sinner’s schedule is the Cincinnati Open, a tournament that left him with unfinished business last year. During the 2025 edition, Sinner entered as the defending champion but had to concede the title to Carlos Alcaraz after retiring from the final due to illness. This year’s event will also mark Alcaraz’s highly anticipated return to the tour after being sidelined since April with a right wrist injury.