Sabalenka withdraws from National Bank Open to focus on US Open

World number one Aryna Sabalenka has announced her withdrawal from the National Bank Open tournament — a decision made to gain additional rest time ahead of her US Open title defense preparations.

“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.

The tennis star, who recently reached the Wimbledon semifinals and lost to Amanda Anisimova — is likely to return to action at the Cincinnati Open before the US Open begins in late August.

Besides Sabalenka, the tournament starting July 27 will also miss world number 10 Paula Badosa — who withdrew due to injury. Caty McNally and Moyuka Uchijima have been designated as their replacements in the main draw.