Aryna Sabalenka skips Montreal tournament, opts for extra rest before US Open

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has withdrawn from the National Bank Open, opting to take additional rest before beginning her preparations to defend the US Open title.

The 27-year-old Belarusian, who won her maiden US Open crown in 2024, cited fatigue following a demanding stretch on the WTA Tour. Sabalenka has reached the final of the French Open, the semi-finals in Berlin, and most recently, the last four at Wimbledon, where she was beaten by Amanda Anisimova.

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“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 in a statement released by Tennis Canada. “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.”

The National Bank Open, a key US Open warm-up event, gets underway on 27 July. With Sabalenka now absent, her return to competition could come at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, beginning 11 August. The US Open starts on 24 August in New York.

Tournament Director Valrie Ttreault expressed disappointment at Sabalenka’s withdrawal. “We’re obviously disappointed that Aryna won’t be with us this year,” she said, acknowledging the star power the world No. 1 brings to the event.

Sabalenka is not the only high-profile player missing from the Montreal line-up. Spanish world No. 10 Paula Badosa has also pulled out, citing a back injury sustained earlier this month. Caty McNally (USA) and Moyuka Uchijima (Japan) have been drafted into the main draw as replacements for Sabalenka and Badosa, respectively.

Despite these setbacks, the tournament still promises to deliver high-quality tennis — and a poignant farewell. Canadian favourite Eugenie Bouchard is set to make her final appearance on home soil as she prepares to retire from professional tennis at the age of 31.

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Published By: Saurabh Kumar Published On: Jul 17, 2025

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