Novak Djokovic’s Participation Uncertain for 2026 National Bank Open

With the tournament set to begin at IGA Stadium, the field is shaping up to be competitive. Tennis Canada confirmed that nearly all of the world’s elite talent has committed to the event, a rebound from last year when several top-ranked stars, including Sinner, Djokovic, and Alcaraz, were absent from the draw.

Novak Djokovic’s Uncertain Status and Selection Strategy

While the Serbian legend’s name appears on the official entry list, tournament director Valérie Tétreault has advised fans to temper their expectations. At 39, Djokovic is managing a physically demanding schedule with a singular focus on capturing his 25th Grand Slam title. According to Journaldemontreal, his team signaled well before Wimbledon that Montreal was not necessarily a priority for his 2026 calendar.

I would say that it’s a question mark. It’s far from being guaranteed that because he’s on the list that he’s going to be playing this summer. Valérie Tétreault, National Bank Open tournament director

Djokovic last competed in Montreal in 2015, and tournament organizers acknowledge that if he does appear this year, it will be a major bonus for the event rather than an expected certainty.

Carlos Alcaraz Out and the Rise of Jannik Sinner

The tournament will be without Carlos Alcaraz, who continues to navigate a recovery from a right wrist injury sustained in April at the Barcelona Open. The injury has already forced the 23-year-old to miss both the French Open and Wimbledon. Tétreault emphasized that the decision to skip Montreal is a precautionary measure for the young star’s long-term career.

Valérie Tétreault, National Bank Open tournament director, stated that the primary priority right now is ensuring he can make a full recovery, as they recognize that wrist injuries can be complicated.

In contrast, the tournament is leaning heavily on the presence of world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. His team has already confirmed his travel plans.

The Canadian Contingent and Hopes for a Home Title

Local fans have pinned their hopes on Félix Auger-Aliassime, who enters the tournament as the highest-seeded Canadian in the event’s history. Ranked fourth in the world, Auger-Aliassime is coming off a grueling five-set, five-hour-and-15-minute quarterfinal loss to Djokovic at Wimbledon. Despite the defeat, Tétreault believes the performance solidified his status as a legitimate contender for the Masters 1000 title.

The tournament’s Canadian lineup is rounded out by Denis Shapovalov, who received direct entry, and Gabriel Diallo, who was awarded a main-draw wild card. In the women’s draw, Tennis Canada recently announced wild cards for Rebecca Marino, Katherine Sebov, and Cadence Brace, joining Venus Williams, Bianca Andreescu, and Kayla Cross.