World number one Iga Swiatek and Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova are among several top players who have withdrawn from next week’s Canadian Open, Tennis Canada announced on Friday.
Swiatek, fresh off winning a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, cited fatigue for her withdrawal. “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 the five-time Grand Slam champion. “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.”
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Zostanę z tym, że choć nie spełniłam największego marzenia, to na dziś zrobiłam wszystko co mogłam, żeby zagrać w #Paris2024 jak umiałam najlepiej, na własnych warunkach. Dziękuję Wam za wsparcie i zrozumienie niezależnie od oczekiwań. Wrócę na igrzyska mądrzejsza.🇵🇱🥲 pic.twitter.com/ar4oNmKPKB— Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) August 2, 2024
Krejcikova, who recently returned to the top 10 in world rankings following her Wimbledon triumph, cited a thigh injury as her reason for pulling out. “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,” she said. Krejcikova had reached the quarter-finals in both singles and women’s doubles in Paris.
World number four Elena Rybakina, who has been sidelined with acute bronchitis, will also miss this year’s Canadian Open. The illness stopped her from representing Kazakhstan at the Olympics.
Tennis Canada noted additional withdrawals from Jasmine Paolini, Maria Sakkari, Danielle Collins, and Caroline Garcia, all following their participation in the Paris Olympics. “We understand the unique honor 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, director of the Canadian Open.