Novak Djokovic will not play at National Bank Open in Montreal
Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic will not participate in the National Bank Open, set to take place from Aug. 5 to 14 in Montreal.
Tennis Canada did not provide an explanation for Djokovic's withdrawal, which was announced Thursday along with the distribution of passes to Canadians Alexis Galarneau and Vasek Pospisil, Britain's Andy Murray and Belgium's David Goffin.
The Canadian government still requires a 14-day quarantine for anyone not vaccinated against COVID-19 arriving in the country. Djokovic, who is reportedly unvaccinated against COVID-19, missed the Indian Wells and Miami Masters earlier this season because the U.S. does not allow unvaccinated non-citizens to enter.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion's vaccination status could also prevent him from competing at the US Open later this summer.
Last weekend, Djokovic said he was preparing as if he would be able to play at Flushing Meadows.
Djokovic, 35, was able to play at Wimbledon, which he ended up winning, as well as the French Open where he lost in the quarter-finals to the eventual champion Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard holds the men's record with 22 major singles titles.
However, Djokovic missed the Australian Open in January after being deported from the country due to his vaccination status.
Tennis Canada also reported that Germany's Oscar Otte, ranked 41st on the ATP rankings, was also withdrawing from the National Bank Open. In his case, he had to withdraw due to injury.
As a result of these two withdrawals, Benjamin Bonzi from France, ranked 51st in the world, and Australian Nick Kyrgios, ranked 63rd, will advance directly to the main draw.
INVITATIONS FOR TWO CANADIANS
The news was also better for Murray, Galarneau, Pospisil, and Goffin.
Murray has won the Canadian tournament three times in his career (2009, 2010, and 2015). He has moved up quickly this year from 134th to 50th spot in the rankings. In recent months, he has reached the finals at both the Sydney and Stuttgart tournaments.
Galarneau is ranked 238th in the world after starting the season ranked 378th. Last Sunday, he reached the final of the Winnipeg National Bank Challenger, beating tournament favourite Liam Broady, ranked 131st in the world, along the way.
Pospisil, ranked 141st, will be competing in the National Bank Open for the 14th time. This season, he was crowned champion at the Quimper Challenger and reached the quarter-finals at the Dallas Open. His best result in Montreal came in 2013, when he lost in the semifinals to compatriot Milos Raonic.
Finally, Goffin, who is ranked 60th, recently reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon. Being a former world No. 7, he will surely be looking to improve on his best result in Canada, which was an appearance in the round of 16.
This report was first published by The Canadian Press in French on Aug. 4, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Back to school: A look at the COVID-19 rules in place across provinces, territories
As students across Canada gear up to enter what will be their fourth academic year in the pandemic, CTVNews.ca takes a look at what measures will be in place in schools, by province and territory.
Canada's interim import ban on handguns takes effect today
As of today, individuals and businesses are no longer able to import restricted handguns into Canada, with limited exceptions. The move announced earlier this month is aimed at expediting a key pillar of the federal effort to cap the number of handguns in the country.
Transport minister set to testify at committee today on airport delays, flight cancellations
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra is set to testify before the House of Commons transport committee this afternoon about ongoing airport delays and flight cancellations.
Freedom Convoy-affiliated group being evicted from Ottawa church
The owner of a historic church in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood is evicting a group with ties to the 'Freedom Convoy' occupation planning to purchase the property this fall, in an apparent dispute over unpaid rent for the facility.
Vatican shelves sexual assault probe into Cardinal Marc Ouellet
There is not enough evidence to open a formal church investigation into sexual assault allegations against a prominent Quebec cardinal, Pope Francis declared Thursday. Cardinal Marc Ouellet, an adviser to the Pope, has been accused of sexual misconduct in a class-action lawsuit filed earlier this week in Quebec Superior Court.
Survival 'the only concern' as Canadian tenants struggle to pay rent
As rent prices rise, CTVNews.ca heard from a number of Canadians struggling to afford their homes. The surge in rent prices over the last few months has forced many to cut back on spending, with some having to relocate or move in with their parents.
Apple warns of security flaw for iPhones, iPads and Macs
Apple disclosed serious security vulnerabilities for iPhones, iPads and Macs that could potentially allow attackers to take complete control of these devices.
North Korea dismisses South Korea's aid offer as 'foolish' repeat
The sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said her country will never accept South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's 'foolish' offer of economic benefits in exchange for denuclearization steps, accusing Seoul of recycling proposals Pyongyang already rejected.
Canadian veterans in France to mark 80th anniversary of disastrous Dieppe Raid
Canadian flags hang alongside French and British on the streets of Dieppe, France, each August as the city marks the anniversary of an important and disastrous day during the Second World War.
Toronto
-
The CNE opens in Toronto for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic
The Canadian National Exhibition is set to open in Toronto today -- the fair's first edition since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
-
Man dead, woman injured in targeted shooting in Oakville: police
Police are investigating a fatal overnight shooting in Oakville.
-
This is where home prices are holding steady or still going up in Ontario
House prices in sought-after areas in Ontario continue to hold steady and even increase, according to a new report.
Atlantic
-
Saint John police continue to seek answers in homicide investigation
Police say three unidentified masked men with dark clothing forced their way into an apartment where 39-year-old Justin David Breau was stabbed. The suspects ran away towards Garden Street before police arrived.
-
Nova Scotia mother with ALS uses eye-tracking technology to write her life story
Angela Parker-Brown may be unable to speak but that hasn't stopped her from using her voice. The mother from Truro, N.S., who is unable to speak due to ALS, recently published a memoir using technology that tracks her eye movements to form words and sentences.
-
City stepping up security at Halifax Public Gardens after dozens of trees damaged
The historic Public Gardens in Halifax will soon have some new features never seen before in its more than 150-year history – extra security.
London
-
Councillor Cassidy not seeking re-election
Two-term city councillor and former deputy mayor Maureen Cassidy will not seek re-election this fall. Just hours before the deadline for candidates to register at city hall, Coun. Cassidy confirms her decision to step aside.
-
Activist 'in hiding' fearing for her safety
Popular Twitch user and local transgender activist Clara Sorrenti, says she is currently in hiding fearing for her safety. Sorrenti says she has received threats after going public with an incident involving London police. She posted the experience on YouTube Thursday night.
-
Two people, one horse injured following Elgin County crash
OPP in Elgin County are on scene of a crash involving an electric bike and a pickup truck hauling a livestock trailer. According to police, two people and one horse were injured in the crash that happened just after 7 a.m. at a Lyons Line, Malahide Township address.
Northern Ontario
-
Ramsey Lake residents concerned by nearby encampment
Many homeless encampments are springing up around Sudbury.
-
Back to school: A look at the COVID-19 rules in place across provinces, territories
As students across Canada gear up to enter what will be their fourth academic year in the pandemic, CTVNews.ca takes a look at what measures will be in place in schools, by province and territory.
-
Scotiabank refuses to buy back an Ontario woman’s gold and silver with bank logo
Customer shocked when bank refuses to buy back gold and silver or Do you have gold and silver to sell? Where is the best place to sell it? Or Bank drops precious metals business to surprise of customer
Calgary
-
Cyclist struck by vehicle in northwest
A cyclist was transported to hospital Thursday night after being struck by a vehicle.
-
Calgary man convicted in multimillion dollar Ponzi scheme to be sentenced
A Calgary man who bilked his clients out of millions of dollars in a Ponzi scheme is scheduled to be sentenced today.
-
Okotoks Dawgs claim WCBL championship in victory over Express
The Okotoks Dawgs are Western Canadian Baseball League champions after beating the Moose Jaw Express 4-1 at home Thursday night in a do-or-die third game of the championship series.
Kitchener
-
Region approves first-ever sanctioned encampment site
The Region of Waterloo council approved a series of measures on Thursday to help ease the growing homelessness crisis, including a first-ever decision to permit an encampment.
-
Seniors worry proposed legislation will separate them from loved ones
The Ontario government’s solution for healthcare at long-term care homes is raising some concerns locally.
-
Clinton man charged with counselling to commit murder
A 75-year-old from Clinton has been charged after reports the individual was soliciting assistance in committing murder.
Vancouver
-
B.C. lottery winner plans to buy electric car, continue enjoying retirement
A retired Lake Country man has an extra half-million dollars in his bank account after a recent lottery win.
-
Unlike the CNE there's no mac-and-cheese lemonade, but the PNE has its own unique menu items this year
It's fair season, and for more adventurous eaters, that means it's time for unique eats. Here's a look at some of the options at this year's PNE Fair.
-
Sustained high heat has B.C. official urging public to 'preserve the ambulances'
The province's top ambulance officer is urging British Columbians to take extra care to avoid turning to emergency health services unless they actually need that level of care, amid fears the medical system may not be able to keep up.
Edmonton
-
Transport minister set to testify at committee today on airport delays, flight cancellations
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra is set to testify before the House of Commons transport committee this afternoon about ongoing airport delays and flight cancellations.
-
Local aid organization seeking bikes to gift to Ukrainian newcomers
A local organization is aiming to give displaced Ukrainian families in Edmonton a sense of normalcy.
-
Canada to face off against Czechia in world junior semifinals
It's a rematch for Canada at the world junior hockey championship today.
Windsor
-
Windsor man rushes into burning home to help wheelchair-bound neighbour, dogs
A Windsor man who uses a wheelchair, his seven-year-old-grandson and two chihuahuas are thanking a neighbor who rushed into their burning home to help them escape.
-
Nephew of 70-year-old fatally shot by police during weapons call speaks out
The nephew of the 70-year-old man fatally shot by police after appearing to threaten people with a machete in downtown Windsor, Ont. says he feels sorry for the two officers who had to confront him in his uncle’s final moments.
-
Advocates say use of NDAs should be banned in sexual misconduct settlements
In the wake of the Hockey Canada scandal, some advocates are calling for the use of non-disclosure agreements to be banned or restricted in settlement agreements in cases involving abuse.
Regina
-
Man charged after auto theft spree: Regina police
A 20-year-old Regina man is facing a total of 13 charges after the Regina Police Service (RPS) completed what it called a complex investigation into numerous stolen vehicle incidents, a news release said.
-
'Crosses all genres and all ages': Sask Expo Regina returns in-person after 2-year hiatus
The Saskatchewan Entertainment Expo is returning to Regina this weekend after a two-year hiatus from the in-person event.
-
Regina emergency crews rescue injured person from rail car
An injured person had to be rescued from inside a rail car in the Regina area on Thursday, according to Regina Fire and Protective Services.
Ottawa
-
Freedom Convoy-affiliated group being evicted from Ottawa church
The owner of a historic church in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood is evicting a group with ties to the 'Freedom Convoy' occupation planning to purchase the property this fall, in an apparent dispute over unpaid rent for the facility.
-
Canada Post halts mail delivery in rural Ottawa because mailboxes are too short
Canada Post says it will no longer deliver mail to homes on Constance Lake Road near Dunrobin because the mailboxes are too short.
-
NEW THIS MORNING
NEW THIS MORNING | Final day for candidates to register to run in Ottawa's 2022 municipal election
Candidates have until 2 p.m. Friday to register to run for mayor, councillor or school board trustee in the city of Ottawa in the fall municipal election.
Saskatoon
-
Province removes teachers named in sexual abuse allegations
The Saskatchewan NDP called on the province to remove teachers named in a multi-million dollar class action lawsuit alleging incidents of physical and verbal abuse against students by staff at the Legacy Christian Academy.
-
Langham fire chief tells town to end agreement with City of Saskatoon for emergency assistance
Langham’s fire chief is advising his town council to sever ties with the City of Saskatoon when it comes to emergency services.
-
Saskatoon police arrest two men after shooting in Mount Royal area
Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) is investigating a shooting in the Mount Royal neighbourhood Thursday morning.