Aryna Sabalenka has withdrawn from the Montreal Open in the hope it will boost her chances for success heading into the next Grand Slam.
Tennis Canada announced on Thursday that the world No.1 will not be playing in the WTA 1000 event due to fatigue. Sabalenka last played on the Tour at Wimbledon, where she reached the semi-finals before losing in three sets to Amanda Anisimova. So far this season, she has won three WTA titles and reached the finals of four other events.
In a statement issued by the tournament, Sabalenka explained she has decided to delay her return to action to give herself ‘the best chance for success’ on the American hardcourts. Later this year, she will be defending her title at the US Open, which is the last major event she has won. She is also the defending champion at the Cincinnati Open. A WTA 1000 event that takes place shortly before the US Open.
“I’m looking forward to kicking off the North American hard-court swing, but to give myself the best chance for success this season, I’ve decided it’s in my best interest to skip Montreal,” Sabalenka said via a Tennis Canada press release.
“I’ll miss my amazing Canadian fans, but I’m already looking forward to seeing you all next year. Thanks for your understanding and support. It means the world to me!”
Sabalenka’s best result at the Canadian Open is reaching the semi-finals in 2021. Last year, she advanced to the quarter-finals before losing to Anisimova.
Other players to have withdrawn from Montreal include Paula Badosa due to a back problem that is set to sideline her for a few weeks. Ons Jabeur has cited a schedule change as her reason for not playing. Finally, Sonay Kartal has pulled out, but the WTA hasn’t provided the reason why. Kartal recently reached the fourth round at Wimbledon and is currently ranked 44th in the world rankings.
Meanwhile, former world No.5 Eugenie Bouchard will be playing at the tournament in what will be her latest appearance on the Tour before retiring. The 31-year-old reached the Wimbledon final in 2014, as well as the semi-finals of both the Australian Open and French Open that same year.
The Canadian Open will get underway on July 28th.
