"I decided it was in my best interest not to go to Montreal," Sabalenka explains her withdrawal from the Canadian Open
Aryna Sabalenka will take some rest after a high-level first half of the season. Defeated in the Wimbledon semifinals by Amanda Anisimova, the world No. 1 will not be competing in Canada this year.
The Belarusian, who reached the quarterfinals in Toronto last year, wants to preserve herself for the US Open and will only begin her North American season at the WTA 1000 in Cincinnati, where she is the defending champion. Speaking to Tennis Channel, Sabalenka justified her withdrawal from the Canadian tournament, which begins on July 27.
"I’m excited to start my North American hardcourt swing, but to give myself the best chance for success this season, I decided it was in my best interest not to go to Montreal.
I think that, even though I’ve lost many finals, it’s my consistency that has brought me to where I am now—it’s impressive. There are still so many things I’ve achieved that I’m proud of.
This experience shows that the following year, I’m even hungrier for titles. These painful losses help me come back even stronger," Sabalenka said recently.
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