Aryna Sabalenka has officially withdrawn from this year’s National Bank Open in Montreal (Canadian Open), scheduled July 26 to August 7, 2025, citing fatigue and the need for recovery as she gears up to defend her U.S. Open title later this summer Wikipedia+15Reuters+15India Today+15.
At 27, Sabalenka’s heavy season has included semi-final runs at Wimbledon and Berlin, along with a runner-up finish at the French Open, following earlier titles in Brisbane, Miami, and Madrid Reuters+1Talksport+1. In a statement released by Tennis Canada on July 16, she explained:
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“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… I’ll miss my amazing Canadian fans, but I’m already looking forward to seeing you all next year” Talksport+3Reuters+3India Today+3.
The withdrawal places Sabalenka among a wave of high-ranking athletes—including Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Paula Badosa—who have also put health and rest first by skipping key summer tournaments in Toronto and Montreal Wikipedia+15Reuters+15Reuters+15.
With Sabalenka pulling out, Coty McNally and Moyuka Uchijima are set to fill her spot in the Montreal main draw Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3India Today+3.
Her next appearance is expected at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, beginning around August 11, offering her just over two weeks to tune up before the U.S. Open—which starts on August 24 in New York, where she enters as the defending champion, having beaten Jessica Pegula in the 2024 final India Today+1Talksport+1.
Why It Matters
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Strategic scheduling: Sabalenka is prioritizing rest and recovery over competing in a high-profile WTA 1000 event, aligning with a broader trend among elite players managing season burnout.
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Season momentum: Despite not capturing another Grand Slam in 2025, she has remained competitive and consistent across top-tier events.
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US Open outlook: With the final major less than a month away, Sabalenka aims to enter Flushing Meadows with peak physical condition and mental clarity.
Context: A Busy 2025 Schedule
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Titles: Brisbane, Miami, Madrid
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Grand Slam results:
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Runner-up at the French Open
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Semi-finalist at Wimbledon, edged out by Amanda Anisimova in a tight three-setter
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These results illustrate both Sabalenka’s high level and the physical toll of modern tour demands India Today+15Talksport+15Reuters+15ReutersIndia Today+1NBC Sports+1.
Looking Ahead
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Montreal absence: Leaves her spot in the draw to Moyuka Uchijima
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Next likely appearance: Cincinnati Open in early August
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Key goal: Defending her U.S. Open title (August 24 – early September in New York)
Sabalenka’s decision reflects a growing pattern of elite players strategically skipping certain events to remain fresher for Grand Slams. Her absence in Montreal will open the field, but her return in Cincinnati will be watched keenly—especially as she goes in to defend her biggest title of 2024.
