Check out the article to learn why Olympic silver medalist Carlos Alcaraz could lose millions in prize money for skipping the Canadian Open 2024.
Carlos Alcaraz suffered a sad defeat in the gold medal match at the Paris Olympics 2024 against Novak Djokovic. He was as magnificent as usual during the competition but had to make way for the Serbian who won his maiden Olympic championship. Despite the 7-6(3), 7-6(2) defeat, Alcaraz left the French city with his head held high and an indication that a gold medal was within his reach.
Meanwhile, the Spaniard was handed another setback. He is certain to lose millions in prize money due to his decision to withdraw from the Canadian Open. The four-time Grand Slam champion before going to the final of the Paris Olympics revealed that he would be skipping the tournament in Montreal owing to his hectic schedule.
“It has been a very long season for me and due to the accumulation of matches and fatigue, I will not be able to play in Montreal this year,” stated Alcaraz in a statement on August 1.
“I was really looking forward to coming back to Canada and enjoying the love of the fans. Hope to see everyone in Montreal in the years to come!,” he added.
Alcaraz misses two obligatory Maters 1000 events
His decision was logical since the gold medal match against Djokovic was just two days before the start of the Canadian Open. A rapid change of surface from clay to hard courts after playing one of the major sporting tournaments would be a huge undertaking for the 21-year-old.
However, his withdrawal means he will forfeit 50% of his ATP bonus pool share for the 2024 season. The bonus fund is shared among ATP players based on their success in Masters 1000 events and the ATP Finals. If players skip two necessary Masters 1000 events in a season, they would lose half of their share.
Notably, Alcaraz had missed the Italian Open due to an ailment and the Montreal event will be the second tournament without his presence. The youngster topped the bonus pool standings last season by collecting $4.2 million.