The Canadian Open leveled up this year, expanding the men’s draw from 56 to 96 and stretching the event to 12 days. Yet, despite the upgrades, big names like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner opted out, and Novak Djokovic hasn’t played since 2019. “Obviously, we’re disappointed with the withdrawals,” said tournament director Karl Hale, noting upcoming talks with ATP CEO Andrea Gaudenzi to address the situation. With the top two seeds out, Taylor Fritz, now the second seed, has stormed into the semis, rising to the occasion. Amid this power vacuum, Coco Gauff’s ex-coach, Brad Gilbert , sends a crucial message to Taylor Fritz amid Alcaraz and Sinner’s Canadian Open absence: it’s time to lead.

Taylor Fritz came agonizingly close to another serving shutout under the Toronto lights, but

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