MONTREAL – Top Rank Alina Sabalenka has withdrawn from the opening of the National Bank and opted for more rest before beginning preparations for the US open title defense.
“We look forward to starting a hard court swing in North America, but we have decided that skipping Montreal is our number one concern to give us the best chance of success this season,” Sabalenka said Wednesday in a statement provided at the tournament.
Sabalenka advanced to the Wimbledon semi-finals, where she was defeated by Amanda Anishimova.
The National Bank will open on July 27th. Sabalenka was instead able to return to the Cincinnati Open in early August. The first round of the US Open Set begins on August 24th.
The tournament also announced that 10th place Paula Badosa has withdrawn due to injury. Caty McNally and Moyuka wchijima replaced Sabalenka and Badosa in the main draw.