Naomi Osaka, Iga Swiatek and Sofia Kenin announced that they would not play the Rogers Cup in Montreal this year.
The tournament was already orphan of the world the number 1 Ashleigh Barty and it was the Japanese player that would have been the top seed.
Naomi Osaka’s mental issues
Eventually, Naomi Osaka decided not to play, releasing the following statement: “I’m sorry to be missing out on Montreal this year. I hope to see you all in Canada next year.”
Naomi Osaka has been dealing with mental issues for a long time. The world number 2 pulled out from the French Open after announcing her refusal to participate in press conferences for the entire major. Osaka had the huge honor to light the cauldron at the recent Olympic games. However, she later disappointed after she lost her in the third round in Tokyo. Naomi Osaka also revealed that she was not sure when she will be back to competitions.
Iga Swiatek said that she was in need of resting a bit more after the Olympics, where she lost as early as in the 2nd round in singles. She released the following comment “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.”
Sofia Kenin has been struggling for a long time with a foot injury. This was her statement upon retiring “While I’m making progress, my foot injury is not where I need it to be to play at the highest level. I feel another week of recovery and rehab is necessary.”
At this point, Aryna Sabalenka and home favourite Bianca Andreescu are going to be the top seeds in Montreal.
Naomi Osaka in 2021
Ranked world no.2, Osaka played her last match on the 27th of July when she lost to world no.42 Marketa Vondrousova 6-1 6-4 in the 3rd round in Tokyo (draw).
Until now, during this year Naomi has achieved a composed 16-4 record. Osaka clinched 1 title at the Australian Open.
Iga Swiatek in 2021
Currently ranked no.8 (career-high), Swiatek played her last match on the 26th of July when she was defeated by world no.30 Paula Badosa 6-3 7-6(4) in the 2nd round in Tokyo (draw).
This season the Pole has achieved an overall 28-9 record. Swiatek clinched 2 titles in 2021 in Adelaide and in Rome.
Naomi Osaka and Iga Swiatek played each other only once. Their actual head to head record is 1-0 for Osaka. When they played, Naomi Osaka won 7-6(4) 6-4 in the 3rd round in Toronto (Rogers Cup) in August 2019.
You can watch the highlights in the following video.
Sofia Kenin in 2021
Now ranked no.4 (career-high), Sofia played her last match on the 30th of June when she capitulated to world no.78 Madison Brengle 6-2 6-4 in the 2nd round in Wimbledon (draw).
This season Sofia has a 11-10 match record.
Naomi Osaka |
| Embed from Getty Images |
