By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Tuesday August 3, 2021
World No.2 Naomi Osaka, World No.4 Sofia Kenin and World No. 8 Iga Swiatek have all pulled out of next week’s Omnium Banque Nationale draw in Montreal.
The trio join Ashleigh Barty, Angelique Kerber and Venus Williams on the sidelines.
The tournament will be held from Aug. 7 to 15 at IGA Stadium.
Osaka and Swiatek competed at the Tokyo Olympics last week, while Kenin is still rehabbing a foot injury.
“I am sorry to be missing out on Montréal this year,” said Osaka. “Sending my best to all the fans there, the tournament and the staff. I hope to see you all in Canada next year.”
“I am very sorry but this year I will not be able to play in Montréal,” said Swiatek.
“The first part of the season was so intense that I need a couple of days off to rest and prepare for the next few months. I’m looking forward to playing in Canada in 2022.” “I’m really disappointed to withdraw from the event in Montréal next week,” said Kenin. “While I’m making progress, my foot injury is not where I need it to be to play at the highest level. I feel another week of recovery and rehab is necessary. I want to thank Tennis Canada for all its efforts in holding the event during such challenging times. Best of luck to all the players.”
Due to the withdrawals, Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus becomes the first seed, while No.51 Shuai Zhang of China, No.52 Marie Bouzkova of Czechia and No.54 Liudmila Samsonova of Russia move into the main draw.