Nadal’s withdrawal means the National Bank Open in Toronto will not feature the three heavyweights in men’s tennis, as Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic pulled out before the event began.

In that context, Frances Tiafoe was asked to give his thoughts on the Big 3’s absence. The American reckons their absence is a “good look” for younger players in the field as it gives them a better shot at an elusive Masters 1000 title.

Tiafoe’s words seem to have some truth to them as this will be the first time since 2009 that none of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic will play in the final in Toronto.

In fact, the legendary trio have won the title at the National Bank Open a whopping 11 times in the last 16 editions, highlighting their dominance at the event.

But Frances Tiafoe believes a change at the top of men’s tennis is already taking place, with the likes of Stefanos Tsitsipas, Daniil Medvedev, and Alexander Zverev taking giant strides.

Tiafoe pointed out that a shift in power is “good” for the sport as it brings new faces and playing styles to the fore. The American insisted that the title at the National Bank Open is there for the taking following the withdrawal of defending champion Nadal.

The American reckons the National Bank Open field is well balanced and there is no outright favorite for the title. Tiafoe brought up the example of him beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in Wimbledon to highlight his point that any player can defeat another on a given day.

Rafael Nadal will likely miss the Canada-Cincinnati double for the first time since 2014

Rafael Nadal’s chronic foot problem has not only forced him to pull out of the Canadian Open (Toronto Masters) but has also cast some doubt on his participation at the Cincinnati Masters, which is due to begin on 15 August.

If he misses the American Masters 1000 event, Rafael Nadal will not be seen in action in the Canada-Cincinnati double for the third time in his career and the first since 2014 (wrist injury).

Nadal did not play in either of the events in 2020, but that was due to the fact the Canadian Open was not held.

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