Jannik Sinner's decision to withdraw from the Canadian Open in Montreal has ignited a fierce debate across the tennis world, and now Rennae Stubbs, the accomplished coach and former Grand Slam champion, has stepped in to defend the world No. 1.
Speaking on her podcast, Stubbs made her position crystal clear. She expressed zero blame toward Sinner, pointing to the grueling clay court stretch he endured before heading to Wimbledon, where he ultimately lifted the trophy. She also noted that Sinner may have learned from how heavily loaded his schedule was ahead of the French Open this year, suggesting his Montreal absence is a calculated move rather than a casual one.
Stubbs pushed back hard against those who argued Sinner should have played for the chance to win every Masters event in a single calendar year, something no player has ever accomplished. Her argument: Sinner simply does not prioritize that kind of milestone right now. With Wimbledon already secured and a mountain of records already to his name, including multiple "youngest ever" distinctions, Stubbs believes his sole focus is claiming the US Open title. Skipping Montreal, in her view, gives him the rest and preparation time needed to peak in Cincinnati and then at Flushing Meadows.
It is worth noting that Sinner also skipped the Canadian Open last year, and that strategy did not fully pay off. He retired in the Cincinnati final against Carlos Alcaraz while trailing 5-0 in the first set due to illness, and then lost to Alcaraz again in the US Open final. He will be hoping this year's approach delivers a different outcome.
TennisDraw users have been split on how far Sinner can go at the US Open after this extended rest period, making him one of the most debated bracket picks of the summer.
