Aryna Sabalenka may have just made a really smart decision in her bid for another US Open title.
As the defending champion, she will return to New York full of confidence that she can retain her crown. Especially given her penchant for playing on hard courts.
And yet, a trying Grand Slam year might have knocked her stature somewhat, having now lost in the Australian Open and French Open finals, before falling in the Wimbledon semi-finals too.
It has been a year of near-misses for the Belarusian, who could very easily have swept up all three majors this year had things gone her way.
Alas, her focus will now be on this last chance for elite silverware before the season comes to a close.
Aryna Sabalenka pulls out of Montreal
With that in mind, the Belarusian’s decision to skip Montreal, which starts in just over a week, marks the perfect preparation for the US Open.
Although some might question the move, as she reduces her schedule , this is what Aryna Sabalenka will need.
Two players have withdrawn from the 2025 National Bank Open: Aryna Sabalenka, due to fatigue, and Paula Badosa, due to an injury.
Following these changes, Caty McNally and Moyuka Uchijima will now enter the main draw. pic.twitter.com/nVPHvjVthu
— Omnium Banque Nationale (@OBNmontreal) July 16, 2025
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And, given the enormous lead she boasts at the pinnacle of the WTA rankings, it’s a luxury she can afford without fear of losing top spot.
Speaking about the decision, she admitted: “I’m looking forward to kicking off the North American hard-court swing, but to give myself the best chance for success this season, I’ve decided it’s in my best interest to skip Montreal.”
Fatigue was the official reason for her absence.
So, whilst the rest of the tour scampers to gain crucial hard-court minutes, Sabalenka will instead be relaxing and recharging so that when she does get back into action, she is perfectly ready to brush aside the competition.
She will be particularly desperate to win this final Grand Slam of the year, given that Sabalenka could join an unwanted list with John McEnroe and Lindsay Davenport if she fails to.
Aryna Sabalenka could do with a rest after a tough past few months
Although it has still been a hugely successful few months for Sabalenka, it has also been really tough.
After all, having reached the final of the French Open, the dramatic aftermath to her defeat will have been much more taxing than the match itself, as the media took her comments about Coco Gauff and crucified her.
Then, just as that commotion died down ahead of Wimbledon, she lost in the semi-finals of an event she was the overwhelming favourite to win.
Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images
Sabalenka will benefit massively from a rest throughout July, allowing her to return to play renewed and full of energy.
It could prove pivotal in allowing her to return to New York mentally ready to tackle the US Open crowd, and physically ready to compete with anyone she faces.
In the end, it might be this decision which proves key in winning her the title.