Big names Naomi Osaka, Iga Swiatek and Sofia Kenin to miss the 2021 National Bank Open in Montreal

Big names Naomi Osaka, Iga Swiatek and Sofia Kenin to miss the 2021 National Bank Open in Montreal

Naomi Osaka and Iga Swiatek

The 2021 National Bank Open in Montreal, Canada will miss the presence of three big WTA stars in Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka and Sofia Kenin. The first WTA 1000 event of the North American summer will get underway on August 9, after being cancelled in 2020, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The 2020 French Open winner Iga Swiatek, who was recently seen at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics has already played a massive chunk of tournaments in the first half of the season. The Pole won titles in Adelaide and Rome.

“I am very sorry but this year I will not be able to play in Montréal,” said the World No.8 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.”

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Meanwhile, former Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin who has been battling a foot injury for long also expressed her disappointment on not being able to play in Canada.

“While I’m making progress, my foot injury is not where I need it to be to play at the highest level,” Kenin said. “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.”

On the other hand, the withdrawal of four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka may not come as a surprise to many, given what the Japanese girl has been experiencing over the past few months, away from the court.

“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.”

Former champs Halep and Andreescu return

Simona Halep
Simona Halep

Despite the withdrawal of some big names, the likes of former two-time champion, Simona Halep, Elina Svitolina, Karolina Pliskova and Aryna Sabalenka will boost the tournament.

Interestingly, defending champion and local favourite Bianca Andreescu too returns to play the event in Montreal. Andreescu will be playing her first hard court tournament since making the Miami Open final in April, earlier in the year.

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