Aryna Sabalenka Withdraws from National Bank Open for Rest Before US Open Defense

Montreal, Jul 17 (AP) — Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka has opted out of the National Bank Open, prioritizing additional rest before she starts her preparations for defending her title at the U.S. Open.

In a statement released by the tournament on Wednesday, Sabalenka explained her decision by saying, "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 is coming off a strong performance at Wimbledon, where she reached the semifinals but was defeated by Amanda Anisimova.

The National Bank Open is set to begin on July 27. Sabalenka may make her return at the Cincinnati Open in early August, ahead of the U.S. Open's first round, which starts on Aug. 24. Sabalenka claimed her first U.S. Open title in 2024.

In other news, the tournament has announced that 10th-ranked Paula Badosa has withdrawn due to an injury. Caty McNally and Moyuka Uchijima have been selected to replace Sabalenka and Badosa in the main draw.

(AP) APA APA

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