Top seed Aryna Sabalenka has withdrawn from the National Bank Open. She made this decision with the aim of taking extra rest before preparing to defend her US Open title.
Sports News: World's top female tennis player and current US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka has withdrawn from the National Bank Open (Montreal Open). She made this decision with the aim of fully refreshing herself and preparing better before the US Open. Sabalenka said that this decision is in her best interest to give herself the best chance of success this season.
Sabalenka will not play in Montreal, may return from Cincinnati
Sabalenka said in an official statement, "I am very excited to start the North American hard-court swing, but to give myself the best opportunity for success this season, I have decided that it is best not to participate in Montreal." Notably, Sabalenka recently reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon 2025, where she lost to Amanda Anisimova. As a result, she was feeling a bit physically and mentally tired. That's why she has prioritized rest before the US Open.
The National Bank Open (Montreal Open) is starting on July 27, 2025, while the first round of the US Open will be played from August 24, 2025. It is expected that Sabalenka may start her hard-court season with the Cincinnati Open, which is starting in the first week of August.
Sabalenka won the US Open title in 2024
Aryna Sabalenka won her first Grand Slam title by performing brilliantly in the 2024 US Open. Now she will enter the court this time with the intention of defending her title. In such a situation, it is very important for both her preparation and fitness to be completely correct. That is why she has prioritized her recovery time by leaving the Montreal tournament.
The organizers of the Montreal tournament have also confirmed that world number 10 player Paula Badosa has also withdrawn from the tournament due to injury. Caty McNally and Moyuka Uchijima have been included in the main draw in place of Sabalenka and Badosa.
Sabalenka's eyes are now on the US Open
Aryna Sabalenka's decision is being considered absolutely correct keeping in mind her long-term goal. In the present time, schedule management and recovery plan has become very important for tennis players, so that they can take their performance to the peak in big tournaments like Grand Slam.
Sabalenka will enter the US Open for the second Grand Slam title of her career and this season is going to be very important for her.
Aryna Sabalenka's recent performance
- Wimbledon 2025 Semi-final: Lost to Amanda Anisimova
- US Open 2024: Champion
- 2025 Season World Ranking: Number 1
Why is Sabalenka's decision important?
Sabalenka's decision reflects her professional approach. Every player has the risk of staying away from major achievements due to injury or fatigue while playing continuous tournaments. Especially when she is entering the court as a defending champion. In such a situation, rest had become necessary to keep herself physically and mentally 100% for the US Open.
Tennis fans around the world are now eager to see Sabalenka in Cincinnati or directly in the US Open. Looking at her strength and aggressive game on the hard court, Sabalenka is once again being considered a b contender for the US Open title.
