The Canadian Open has received a lot of backlash throughout this year’s tournament.
Even before the tournament began it was hit with some major withdrawals, with Aryna Sabalenka, Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz all missing the Canadian Open.
However, even the players that have been present in Montreal and Toronto have not been entirely happy, including Frances Tiafoe who called a change the Canadian Open has made ‘garbage’.
The Canadian Open tournament director has responded to this criticism, but now former player John Isner has continued the backlash with a brutal three-word message.
Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty ImagesJohn Isner says the extended Canadian Open has been ‘so bad’
Isner twice reached the semifinals of the Canadian Open before he retired from tennis in 2023, but he has not held back about what he thinks of the tournament this year.
The Canadian Open is taking place over 12 days for the first time this year, as part of both the ATP and WTA Tours’ continual expansion of 1000 level tournaments.
This is something that Alexander Zverev claims no player on tour likes, and it seems that Isner agrees with him.
In response to a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), asking fans what they have thought about the revamped North American hard court schedule, Isner did not hold back.
The former world number eight simply wrote, “It’s so bad,” making it very clear where he stands on the situation.
Tennis fans agree with John Isner as the criticism for the Canadian Open continues
Isner is not the only person who feels this way, with tennis fans on social media posting similar responses on the topic.
While they had the same sentiment as Isner, other social media users went into more detail and explained just why the expanded format is not doing it for them.
One person wrote, “This is too drawn out, two days for the QF and for both cities to put their QF on at the same time? Be interesting when we get to Cincy as to how that works. Being conjoined could help the event feel better.”
This is too drawn out, two days for the QF and for both cities to put their QF on at the same time? Be interesting when we get to Cincy as to how that works. Being conjoined could help the event feel better.
— James Steel a.k.a Tennis Ranter (@JamesSteelTNS) August 5, 2025
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Another added claiming that the decision was financially motivated, “It’s miserable…and I don’t think anyone involved enjoys it all…aside for maybe the 5-10 corporate bozos that are profiting bigly from it.”
It’s miserable…and I don’t think anyone involved enjoys it all…aside for maybe the 5-10 corporate bozos that are profiting bigly from it
— Tennis Investment Club (@TennisProfits) August 4, 2025
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Someone else echoed a similar sentiment, “I much prefer the one week format. In fact, I wish Indian Wells and Miami were also one week. Canada and Cincy are confusing timeliness with overlaps and weekday finishes. Also difficult for fans trying to attend these tournaments back to back.”
This is one of my big problems with tennis. Tennis fans. Y’all are the problem. Yes there are issues and we should try to improve. But…ITS BEEN AWESOME! DC was great, montreal and Toronto great and looking fwd to Cincy. Focus on stories like Mboko etc.
— billionaire (@billytall) August 5, 2025
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Others admitted that they were already over the Canadian Open and were counting down the days for the US Open.
“I have already checked out. Just bring on the US Open.”
I have already checked out. Just bring on the US Open.
— Donnelle 🫡 (@iAmNELLEZ_) August 4, 2025
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“It’s awful. Drawn out, less excitement, more waiting. 1 week, 64 players, maybe a bye for top 8, maybe.”
It’s awful. Drawn out, less excitement, more waiting. 1 week, 64 players, maybe a bye for top 8, maybe.
— IsolatedTops (@IsolatedTops) August 4, 2025
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“Have no idea what round we’re at or what’s happening. Impossible to follow.”
Have no idea what round we’re at or what’s happening. Impossible to follow
— bozo uwu era (@rwmytnny) August 5, 2025
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Tennis fans who do not like this are unlikely to be looking forward to the Cincinnati Open either, as that will also take place over 12 days.
Djokovic has already withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open, which will begin on the same day as the finals of the Canadian Open, which is Thursday, August 7.