In a move that has stunned the tennis world, Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning world No. 1 and US Open champion, has withdrawn from the 2025 National Bank Open in Montreal, citing fatigue after a grueling season punctuated by a heartbreaking semifinal loss at Wimbledon. The 27-year-old Belarusian, known for her explosive power and relentless drive, announced her decision to prioritize rest and preparation for her US Open title defense, set to begin on August 24 at Flushing Meadows. This strategic retreat underscores Sabalenka’s determination to reclaim her form and defend her crown on the hard courts of New York, where she triumphed in 2024.
Sabalenka’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster of triumphs and near-misses. With titles at the Madrid and Miami Opens, and runner-up finishes at the Australian and French Opens, she has solidified her position at the top of the WTA rankings. However, her third consecutive Wimbledon semifinal exit, this time to American Amanda Anisimova in a gripping 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 battle, left her emotionally and physically drained. “The first moment is always the worst one because every time you compete at the tournament and you get to these last stages, you think that you’re getting close to your dream, and then you lose the match and you feel like, okay, this is the end,” Sabalenka reflected, capturing the sting of falling short of her first Wimbledon title. Her candid admission of a “hate relationship” with the All England Club, delivered with a wry smile, highlighted the emotional toll of her latest setback.
The Montreal withdrawal, announced just before the tournament’s July 27 start, reflects a calculated choice to preserve her energy for the North American hard-court swing. “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 stated, emphasizing her focus on the Cincinnati Open in early August as her sole major tune-up before the US Open. The decision means sacrificing ranking points from her quarterfinal run in Montreal last year, but her lead as world No. 1 remains secure. “I’ll miss my amazing Canadian fans, but I’m already looking forward to seeing you all next year,” she added, expressing gratitude for their support. Tournament director Valerie Tetreault expressed disappointment, saying, “We’re obviously disappointed that Aryna won’t be with us this year,” but acknowledged the necessity of her choice.
Sabalenka’s Wimbledon defeat to Anisimova was particularly stinging due to moments of frustration on court. She admitted to being “pissed off” when Anisimova appeared to celebrate a point prematurely in the second set, though Anisimova clarified it was a “long grunt.” Sabalenka used the irritation as fuel, noting, “I was grateful that she actually said that because it’s actually helping me to keep fighting.” Another contentious moment came when Anisimova didn’t apologize for a net-cord winner, prompting Sabalenka to remark, “If she doesn’t feel like saying sorry for that tricky situation, that’s on her.” Despite these tensions, Sabalenka praised Anisimova’s aggressive play, admitting, “She was more brave today,” and acknowledged her as the “better player” in their two-hour, 35-minute clash.
The Belarusian’s decision to skip Montreal also opens opportunities for others. Coco Gauff, now the top seed, and Iga Swiatek, the second seed, stand to benefit from her absence, while American Caty McNally and Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima have earned main-draw spots. The withdrawal coincides with Paula Badosa’s exit due to injury, further reshaping the Montreal field. Meanwhile, the event marks a poignant moment for Canadian star Eugenie Bouchard, who announced her retirement following the tournament in her hometown.
Sabalenka’s focus now shifts to Cincinnati and the US Open, where she aims to become the first woman in a decade to reach four consecutive major finals. Her 2024 US Open victory, coupled with her 20 WTA singles titles, including three Grand Slams, underscores her prowess on hard courts. Yet, her recent struggles—losing to Madison Keys in Australia, Coco Gauff in Paris, and Anisimova at Wimbledon—highlight the mental and physical demands of staying at the top. “I just don’t want to face that hate again,” Sabalenka said, referencing her unprofessional outburst after the French Open final. Her growth in handling defeat with grace, evident in her lighthearted Wimbledon press conference where she jokingly stuck out her tongue at reporters, signals a maturing champion ready to channel her energy into defending her US Open title.
As Sabalenka rests and recalibrates, the tennis world awaits her return, anticipating whether the fiery Belarusian can harness her power and passion to conquer Flushing Meadows once more.
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