MONTREAL — World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka has withdrawn from the upcoming National Bank Open in Montreal, marking her first tournament exit since her semifinal run at Wimbledon. The Belarusian star cited fatigue and the need for recovery as the primary reasons for her decision, raising questions about her schedule ahead of the US Open.
Sabalenka, a two-time Grand Slam champion, released a statement on social media explaining her withdrawal: "After an intense few months competing at the highest level, my team and I have decided that I need additional recovery time before returning to competition. This was not an easy decision, but my health and long-term performance must come first."
Why Sabalenka Withdrew
The 26-year-old has played a packed schedule in 2024, including deep runs at the Australian Open (champion), Roland Garros (quarterfinals), and Wimbledon (semifinals). Sources close to Sabalenka confirmed she has been managing minor physical niggles, though nothing severe enough to jeopardize her US Open participation.
Key factors in her withdrawal include:
- Fatigue management: Sabalenka has played 48 matches this season, more than any other top-5 player.
- US Open preparation: The National Bank Open overlaps with her planned training block in Florida.
- Recent travel: She participated in an exhibition event in Asia after Wimbledon, adding to her workload.
Tournament Impact
Sabalenka’s absence deals a blow to the WTA 1000 event in Montreal, where she was the second seed behind Iga Świątek. Tournament director Valérie Tétreault expressed disappointment but understanding: "Aryna is always a fan favorite, but we respect her need to prioritize recovery. We wish her the best and hope to welcome her back next year."
Revised Draw Implications
With Sabalenka out, No. 3 seed Coco Gauff moves into her projected quarterfinal spot, while rising star Qinwen Zheng could benefit from an easier path to the later rounds. The withdrawal also opens opportunities for Canadian wildcard Leylah Fernandez to advance deeper in her home tournament.
What’s Next for Sabalenka?
Sabalenka’s team confirmed she will next compete at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati (August 11–18), a critical US Open tune-up. Her coach, Anton Dubrov, emphasized: "Aryna will use this time to refine her game physically and mentally. She’ll arrive in Cincinnati fresh and ready to contend."
Analysts note that Sabalenka has historically performed well after breaks. In 2023, she skipped Tokyo post-US Open and returned to win the WTA Finals. Sports psychologist Dr. Rebecca Symes explained: "Elite athletes like Aryna need periodic reset periods. Strategic withdrawals can prevent burnout and prolong peak performance."
Fan and Peer Reactions
Fans expressed mixed reactions on social media, with some supporting her decision and others lamenting the missed opportunity to see her compete. Fellow players, including Ons Jabeur, voiced support: "We all know how demanding the tour is. Aryna is smart to listen to her body—there are bigger goals ahead."
Looking Ahead to the US Open
Sabalenka remains a favorite for the US Open (August 26–September 8), where she reached the final in 2023. Her power game suits the fast hard courts of Flushing Meadows, and bookmakers have kept her odds at +350 despite the withdrawal. A full recovery could position her for a thrilling showdown with Świątek or Gauff.
Tennis commentator Pam Shriver noted: "Aryna’s decision reflects the modern player’s approach to longevity. The days of playing every event are gone—today’s stars pick their battles wisely."
Sabalenka’s withdrawal underscores the physical toll of the WTA calendar, which has seen multiple top players adjust schedules this year. With the Olympics also looming in 2024, balancing rest and competition will remain a key challenge for the sport’s biggest names.
As the tennis world shifts focus to Montreal without its No. 2 seed, Sabalenka’s absence serves as a reminder of the sport’s relentless demands. Her return in Cincinnati will be closely watched, with the US Open—and a potential maiden title in New York—firmly in her sights.