In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the tennis world, reigning world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has officially withdrawn from the 2025 National Bank Open in Montreal. The star cited fatigue and the need for focused preparation ahead of her US Open title defense, a decision that reshapes the landscape of this year’s North American hard-court swing.
Why Sabalenka Is Skipping Montreal
Sabalenka’s withdrawal comes just days before the Montreal event’s July 27 start. Fresh off grueling appearances at both Wimbledon and Berlin, along with a French Open final and a title win in Madrid, the Belarusian powerhouse made her health and long-term competitive goals the clear priority.
“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 explained in her statement to Tennis Canada. “I’ll miss my amazing Canadian fans, but I’m already looking forward to seeing you all next year. Thank you for your support—it means the world to me!”
A Season Marked by Excellence and Exhaustion
- Sabalenka’s Recent Performance Breakdown
- Sabalenka’s 2025 campaign has been nothing short of extraordinary. Here are the highlights:
- Semifinal appearances at both Wimbledon and Berlin
- Runner-up in the French Open final
- Titles in Madrid, Brisbane, and Miami
- Seven finals reached in twelve tournaments this season
Yet, with this demanding schedule, it’s no surprise fatigue has emerged as a concern for the 27-year-old. Her decision to forgo the Canadian Open—notably one of the US Open’s critical warm-up tournaments—signals a strategic focus on peak performance in New York later this summer.
The Impact on the Montreal Draw
Fans in Montreal will undoubtedly feel the absence of the charismatic world No. 1. Tournament director Valérie Tétreault expressed disappointment, noting Sabalenka’s presence was highly anticipated. However, she remains confident that the main draw still features one of the strongest fields in the event’s history.
Other top players, including Spain’s Paula Badosa, have also withdrawn due to injury, allowing Caty McNally and Moyuka Uchijima to enter the main draw and shake up the tournament’s dynamics.
Looking Ahead: Setting Sights on Cincinnati and the US Open
With Montreal off her calendar, Sabalenka is expected to resume play at the Cincinnati Open—her next planned stop before the US Open, which begins August 24. The defending US Open champion will have valuable time to recover and fine-tune her hard-court game before the season’s final Grand Slam.
Why the Extra Rest Matters
- Maximizes recovery after a demanding first half of the year
- Reduces injury risk ahead of the US Open
- Ensures optimal mental and physical preparation for her title defense
FAQs: Aryna Sabalenka’s Montreal Withdrawal
1. Why did Aryna Sabalenka withdraw from the Montreal tournament?
Aryna Sabalenka cited fatigue and the need to rest as her main reasons for skipping the National Bank Open in Montreal, aiming to be fully prepared for her US Open title defense.
2. Has Sabalenka played in Montreal before?
Yes, Sabalenka reached the quarterfinals of the Canadian Open (held in Toronto last year) and has been a fixture at the event in recent seasons.
3. Will Sabalenka compete in Cincinnati next?
According to statements from her team and tournament officials, Sabalenka plans to return to action at the Cincinnati Open before the US Open begins.
4. How does her absence affect the tournament draw?
With Sabalenka and Paula Badosa out, new players like Caty McNally and Moyuka Uchijima have entered the main draw, increasing unpredictability and opportunity in Montreal.
5. Is Sabalenka still the US Open favorite?
Sabalenka’s consistent Grand Slam results and sensible rest schedule keep her at the top of the list of favorites for the US Open as she aims to defend her crown.
Conclusion
Aryna Sabalenka’s decision to step back from Montreal illustrates the modern athlete’s need to balance competitive ambition with health and longevity. As the reigning No. 1 eyes another chapter of Grand Slam glory, fans and analysts alike respect her determination to prioritize recovery while the anticipation for her US Open run only grows stronger. Tennis followers everywhere can look forward to a rested, refocused Sabalenka when she steps back onto the hard courts later this summer.
