Swiatek, Krejcikova, Rybakina Withdraw from 2024… National Bank Open

Five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek has withdrawn from the National Bank Open presented by Rogers due to fatigue, Tennis Canada announced on Friday.

The Polish world No. 1 recovered from a semifinal upset at the hands of Zheng Qinwen to defeat Slovakia’s Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 6-2, 6-1 and claim bronze at the Paris Olympic Games.

“I’m sorry to announce that due to overall fatigue caused by the last couple of weeks on the court, I need to withdraw from the tournament in Toronto,” said Swiatek. “Due to an intense tennis schedule with the Olympics taking place this year and changing surfaces, I need more time to rest and recover in order to be ready to play the US swing in good health and at my best possible level. Looking forward to playing in Toronto next time!”

Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova (No. 10) also announced that she would not be travelling to Toronto due to a thigh injury. The Czech, who returned to the WTA Top 10 after her victory at the All England Club, reached the quarter-finals of both the singles and women’s doubles in Paris. “The past four weeks have been incredible; however, the intense schedule has taken a toll on my body, and I need to prioritize my health to ensure I can continue competing at my best,” said Krejcikova. “Thank you for your understanding and support, and I look forward to returning to the court soon.”

Also missing this year’s event will be Elena Rybakina (No.  4), who has been sidelined with acute bronchitis, which also prevented her from representing her country of Kazakhstan at the Olympics. “Despite my best efforts to recover in time, my current health condition does not allow me to compete at the level required,” said Rybakina. “Competing in Canada is always a special experience and I am looking forward to performing there again next year.”

Tennis Canada announced that other main draw withdrawals included Jasmine Paolini (No. 5), Maria Sakkari (No. 8), Danielle Collins (No. 9), Marketa Vondrousova (No. 18) and France’s Caroline Garcia (No. 26).

“We understand the unique honour of athletes in an individual sport representing their country at the Olympic Games and that players must do what is best for them in terms of their health, recovery and schedules,” said Karl Hale, Tournament Director, NBO Toronto. “Our player list remains extremely strong, and fans can look forward to seeing many of the world’s best players, including top seeds Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka in action at Sobeys Stadium. In particular, we cannot wait to honour all of our Canadian world champions as we celebrate their Billie Jean King Cup victory on Tuesday, August 6 as part of Opening Night presented by Sobeys.”

Grand Slam champions Kenin and Stephens move into the main draw

Sofia Kenin, 2020 Australian Open champion, and Sloane Stephens, 2017 US Open champion, have both moved into the tournament’s main draw. Other notable names to gain entry include former world No.1 Karolina Pliskova, Zhang Shuai of China, and American Shelby Rogers.

National Bank Open tickets

Fans are encouraged to wear red during Tuesday’s August 6’s night session to show their Canadian pride for the Canadian Billie Jean King Cup winners as well as to celebrate the bronze medal of Gabriela Dabrowski. See The Best of Tennis
at the National Bank Open. Click here for tickets.

The WTA’s best return to Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open August 4 to 12, 2024 at Sobeys Stadium. 2024 Tickets are on sale. Get your tickets today!

Feature Photo: Peter Power