Aryna Sabalenka skips Montreal tournament, opts for extra rest before US Open
The National Bank Open, a key US Open warm-up event, gets underway on 27 July. With Sabalenka now absent, her return to competition could come at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, beginning 11 August. The US Open starts on 24 August in New York.Tournament Director Valrie Ttreault expressed disappointment at Sabalenka's withdrawal. 'We're obviously disappointed that Aryna won't be with us this year,' she said, acknowledging the star power the world No. 1 brings to the event.Sabalenka is not the only high-profile player missing from the Montreal line-up. Spanish world No. 10 Paula Badosa has also pulled out, citing a back injury sustained earlier this month. Caty McNally (USA) and Moyuka Uchijima (Japan) have been drafted into the main draw as replacements for Sabalenka and Badosa, respectively.Despite these setbacks, the tournament still promises to deliver high-quality tennis — and a poignant farewell. Canadian favourite Eugenie Bouchard is set to make her final appearance on home soil as she prepares to retire from professional tennis at the age of 31.- EndsTrending Reel
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