The no World No. 1 Iga Swiatek announced Friday that she was withdrawing from the National Bank Open due to fatigue.
“I am sorry to announce that due to general fatigue caused by the last two weeks on the court, I must withdraw from the Toronto tournament,” she said in a statement.
The Polish player has just won the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics after defeating Slovakian Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 6-2, 6-1.
“Due to an intense tennis schedule, including the Olympics and the change in surface, I need more time to rest and recover in order to be ready for the US Open,” she added. “I’m looking forward to playing in Toronto next time!”
In addition to Swiatek, Tennis Canada announced several other major withdrawals: Elena Rybakina (no 4), Jasmine Paolini (no 5), Maria Sakkari (no 8), Danielle Collins (no 9), Barbora Krejcikova (no 10), Marketa Vondrousova (no 18) and Caroline Garcia (no 26).
2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin and 2017 US Open winner Sloane Stephens advance to the main draw, along with former number one Karolina Pliskova, China’s Zhang Shuai and America’s Shelby Rogers.
“We understand the pride the players feel in representing their country at the Olympic Games and that they need to do what’s best for their health, recovery and schedule,” said Karl Hale, director of the Toronto OBN.
“Our roster remains extremely strong and fans can expect to see many of the world’s best players, including top seeds Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka, in action at Sobeys Stadium.
“We also look forward to honouring our Billie Jean King Cup World Champions on Tuesday, August 6 as part of Opening Night presented by Sobeys.”