Eppe Franklyne –
- Aryna Sabalenka, currently ranked number one, has opted out of the National Bank Open to focus on rest and preparation for her U.S. Open title defence.
- Sabalenka recently reached the Wimbledon semifinals, where she was defeated by Amanda Anisimova.
- The National Bank Open starts on July 27; Sabalenka may return to competition at the Cincinnati Open in early August.
- The U.S. Open begins on August 24, where Sabalenka is the reigning champion, having won her first title there in 2024.
- Additionally, 10th-ranked Paula Badosa withdrew due to injury; Caty McNally and Moyuka Uchijima have been named as their replacements in the tournament’s main draw.
Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s top-ranked women’s tennis player, has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming National Bank Open, held in Montreal. In a statement released by the tournament organizers on Wednesday, Sabalenka explained that the decision was motivated by her desire to ensure optimal physical and mental readiness for the remainder of the season, particularly her title defence at the U.S. Open.
Sabalenka’s choice to skip the National Bank Open comes on the heels of a strong showing at Wimbledon, where she advanced to the semifinals before falling to rising American star Amanda Anisimova. Despite the deep run, the intense competition and physical toll have made rest a priority as she transitions to the North American hard-court season.
The National Bank Open, which begins on July 27, is a key event leading up to the U.S. Open and features many of the world’s top players. Sabalenka’s absence will be felt by fans and competitors alike, but she may return to the tour for the Cincinnati Open in early August, a tournament often used by players to fine-tune their game ahead of the Grand Slam.
Sabalenka captured her first U.S. Open title earlier this year in 2024, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s elite athletes. Defending that title will be a major focus as the season progresses, and prioritizing her health and preparation is seen as a strategic move.
In related news, the tournament also announced that 10th-ranked Paula Badosa has withdrawn due to injury. Both Sabalenka and Badosa have been replaced in the main draw by Caty McNally and Moyuka Uchijima, respectively, opening opportunities for these rising players to compete on a bigger stage.
Sabalenka’s decision highlights the increasingly strategic scheduling players must consider to maintain peak performance and longevity on the WTA tour. As the season intensifies, managing rest, recovery, and preparation has become crucial in the pursuit of Grand Slam success.
