The ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Toronto will begin on 27 July - just two weeks after Alcaraz's four-set loss to world No 1 Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon final.

In a post on social media, the Spaniard wrote: "After many consecutive weeks of competition without rest, I will not be able to play in Toronto this year.

"I have small muscles issues and I need to recover physically and mentally for what comes next. To the tournament and to my fans in Canada I am very sorry, I will see you next year!"

The world No 2 also missed the 2024 Canadian Open in Montreal, which was played directly after the Paris Olympics.

This year's Canadian Open will be the first edition of the event held over the two-week (12 day), 96-player format that the ATP Tour has implemented at seven of the nine Masters tournaments.

Prior to the changes, seven of the nine Masters tournaments were played over a single week and featured 56-player singles draws.

Alcaraz's withdrawal means four of the top six players in the world will be absent from the event after Sinner, Novak Djokovic and Jack Draper also pulled out.

In a statement, Sinner said: "I'm really disappointed to be missing the National Bank Open in Toronto, especially as I have such fond memories of playing in Canada.

"Winning that title in Toronto two years ago was the start of a really special moment for me, but after speaking with my team, I have to prioritise my health.

"I would like to thank Karl Hale, the Tournament Director, for everything he does and I'm looking forward to returning to Canada and Toronto in the future to play in front of the great fans."

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