World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, the powerhouse of women’s tennis, has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the WTA Canadian Open in Montreal, scheduled for July 26 to August 7, 2025, citing fatigue after a grueling season capped by a heart-wrenching semifinal loss at Wimbledon. The 27-year-old Belarusian, known for her explosive serve and commanding baseline game, announced her choice to skip the prestigious tournament to focus on recovery and preparation for her US Open title defense, a move that underscores her commitment to long-term success over immediate competition. “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 said, her words reflecting a strategic pause in a year marked by both triumphs and challenges.
Sabalenka’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster of dominance and near-misses. With titles in Brisbane, Miami, and Madrid, she has solidified her position atop the WTA rankings, amassing 51 match wins and a commanding 3,741-point lead over her closest rival. Her powerful game, characterized by blistering groundstrokes and an aggressive approach, has made her a fan favorite and a formidable opponent. Yet, the Grand Slams have tested her resilience. She reached the finals of the Australian Open and French Open, falling to Madison Keys and Coco Gauff, respectively, and suffered a third consecutive Wimbledon semifinal defeat, this time to American Amanda Anisimova in a gripping 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 battle on July 10, 2025. The loss, her third straight exit at this stage of the Championships, left her visibly emotional. “Losing sucks, you know? You always feel like you want to die, you don’t want to exist anymore, and this is the end of your life,” she admitted in a candid press conference, revealing the raw intensity of her competitive spirit.
The Wimbledon defeat was particularly stinging for Sabalenka, who has a complicated relationship with the grass courts of SW19. “I have really more of a hate relationship right now with Wimbledon, but I hope that one day I will turn it around and have a love relationship,” she said, her humor tinged with frustration. Her semifinal match against Anisimova showcased her fighting spirit but also her struggles with consistency under pressure. Leading by a set and a break, Sabalenka faltered, conceding the third set as Anisimova’s fearless play prevailed. Sabalenka later praised her opponent’s bravery but admitted to being “pissed off” when Anisimova celebrated a point prematurely, a moment that sparked her fiery side. “She was already celebrating it. I was, like, that’s a bit too early,” she noted, highlighting her emotional investment in every point.
The decision to skip Montreal comes as no surprise to those following Sabalenka’s demanding schedule. After a semifinal run in Berlin and a taxing clay-court season that included a Madrid title and a French Open final, the physical and mental toll of competing at the highest level has been significant. The Canadian Open withdrawal, announced by Tennis Canada on July 16, 2025, also saw World No. 10 Paula Badosa pull out due to a psoas muscle tear, opening main-draw spots for American Caty McNally and Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima. “We’re obviously disappointed that Aryna won’t be with us this year,” said tournament director Valerie Tetreault, echoing the sentiment of fans who will miss Sabalenka’s electrifying presence in Montreal. Sabalenka expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’ll miss my amazing Canadian fans, but I’m already looking forward to seeing you all next year. Thanks for your understanding and support—it means the world to me.”
Sabalenka’s focus now shifts to the Cincinnati Open in early August, her sole major tune-up before defending her US Open title, which she won in 2024 against Jessica Pegula. The hard courts of Flushing Meadows suit her aggressive style, and her decision to prioritize rest reflects a mature approach to a season that has already seen her contest seven finals. “I think even though I lost a lot of finals, I lost tough matches at the slams this year, I still think that the consistency I was able to bring till this moment, it’s impressive,” she reflected after her Wimbledon loss, showcasing her ability to find perspective amid disappointment. Her emotional transparency, from moments of frustration to acts of kindness—like assisting a fan during a medical emergency at Wimbledon—has endeared her to supporters worldwide.
As Sabalenka prepares for New York, her journey remains one of the most compelling in tennis. Her ability to channel raw emotion into powerful performances, coupled with her willingness to confront setbacks head-on, makes her a standout figure. “I took a bit more time before doing my media just so I can be Aryna, not that crazy person on that media day at Roland Garros,” she said with a laugh, referencing her unfiltered French Open press conference where she criticized her own play. With Cincinnati and the US Open on the horizon, Sabalenka’s strategic withdrawal from Montreal signals a champion pacing herself for the battles ahead, determined to turn her “hate relationship” with Grand Slam near-misses into a triumphant love story.
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