Several prominent tennis players, including Tommy Paul, Aryna Sabalenka, and Zheng Qinwen, have recently withdrawn from crucial ATP and WTA hardcourt events ahead of the US Open. These withdrawals, occurring in the buildup to the Grand Slam, have sparked discussions about players managing their schedules and fitness as the season intensifies in August. The North American hardcourt swing, a vital preparatory phase for the US Open, has seen notable absences impacting both men’s and women’s tournaments.
This year’s tennis season has showcased remarkable moments, such as Coco Gauff capturing her second Major title and Iga Swiatek rebounding from a tough period to win Wimbledon. Nevertheless, the demanding calendar has prompted several top players to conserve their energy, leading to a wave of withdrawals from prominent events.
Notable Withdrawals from Canadian Open and Washington Open
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka announced her decision to skip the Canadian Open in Montreal, citing physical fatigue after a grueling first half of the year. Sabalenka’s 2025 season features impressive runs, including finals appearances at both the Australian Open and French Open, as well as a semifinal spot at Wimbledon.
“To give myself the best chance for success this season, I’ve decided it’s in my best interest to skip Montreal,” Aryna Sabalenka said in her statement to Canadian Open. “I’ll miss my amazing Canadian fans, but I’m already looking forward to seeing you all next year. Thanks for your understanding and support it means the world to me!” —Aryna Sabalenka, World No. 1
In addition, Paula Badosa, currently ranked No. 10, withdrew from the same tournament due to a recurring back injury, signaling ongoing physical challenges for leading players. The Washington Open has equally been affected, with several competitors stepping away from the event scheduled to start next month.
Zheng Qinwen, ranked No. 6 in the world, tops the list of withdrawn players from the Washington Open. Other ATP and WTA athletes pulling out include Tommy Paul, Jakub Mensik, Sebastian Korda, Tomas Machac, Jacob Fearnley, and Jordan Thompson, thinning the field ahead of the critical US Open preparation stage.
Aryna Sabalenka’s Strong Showing in Last Year’s US Open Series
Last year, Aryna Sabalenka demonstrated excellent form during the North American hardcourt season, reaching the quarterfinals of the Canadian Open before her run was halted by Amanda Anisimova. This setback fueled her performances at the Cincinnati Open and US Open, where she rose to peak condition.
During the Cincinnati Open, Sabalenka defeated top players such as then-World No. 1 Iga Swiatek and formidable competitor Jessica Pegula. She went on to claim her sixth WTA 1000 title at the event, setting a strong precedent for her Grand Slam triumph at the US Open. At that Major, Sabalenka showed dominance by dropping only one set across seven matches to secure her third career US Open championship.
Implications for the Upcoming US Open and the Tennis Season
The withdrawals of Tommy Paul and other notable stars from upcoming tune-up events have raised concerns about player readiness and the broader impact on the competitive landscape at the US Open. The decision by key figures to prioritize rest underscores the physical demands placed on top professionals in a packed season calendar. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see how these athletes return for one of tennis’s most prestigious tournaments.
With the US Open approaching, the focus will be on how these withdrawals affect tournament draws and player matchups. The emphasis on fitness and longevity may influence strategies throughout the remainder of the season, highlighting the evolving balance between competitive ambition and physical preservation in modern tennis.