The Montreal Open faced an unexpected setback as two of its brightest stars, Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka, were forced to withdraw from the tournament. Fans and organizers alike had anticipated thrilling performances from both players, who have consistently brought intensity and excitement to the court. Their absence leaves a noticeable gap in the competition and reshapes the dynamics of the draw.

Badosa’s ongoing physical challenges

Paula Badosa’s withdrawal comes amid a series of physical struggles that have plagued her season. The Spanish player has been battling recurring injuries that have limited her ability to maintain consistency. Her decision to step away from Montreal was made to prioritize recovery and avoid further complications. While disappointing for fans, it reflects the difficult choices athletes must make to preserve their long-term careers.

Sabalenka’s unexpected exit

Aryna Sabalenka’s withdrawal was equally surprising, given her recent strong performances and high ranking. Known for her powerful game and fierce competitiveness, Sabalenka was considered a top contender in Montreal. Her exit, reportedly due to health concerns, has sparked concern among supporters and shifted expectations for the tournament. The Belarusian star has not provided a detailed statement, but her absence is deeply felt.

Sabalenka said, “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.”

Impact on the tournament landscape

With two major players out of the picture, the Montreal Open now presents new opportunities for rising talents and lower-seeded competitors. The draw has opened up, and the race for the title may see unexpected contenders emerge. While the withdrawals are unfortunate, they also highlight the unpredictable nature of professional tennis and the resilience required to compete at the highest level.

Looking ahead

Both Badosa and Sabalenka will now focus on recovery and preparation for upcoming events. Their presence on the tour is vital, and fans hope to see them return to full strength soon. In the meantime, Montreal continues with a reshuffled lineup, offering a chance for new stories to unfold and fresh faces to shine.

Aryna Sabalenka in 2025

At the moment ranked no.1, the Belarussian played her last match on the 10^th of July when she was overcome by world no.7 Amanda Anisimova 6-4 4-6 6-4 in the semifinal in Wimbledon (draw).

At the moment, during this season Aryna has a 47-9 match record. Aryna conquered 3 titles in 2025 in Brisbane, Miami and Madrid. Aryna reached the final at the Australian Open, Indian Wells, Stuttgart and French Open.

Paula Badosa in 2025

Ranked world no.10, Paula played her last match on the 30^th of June when she lost to world no.41 Katie Boulter 6-2 3-6 6-4 in the 1^st round in Wimbledon (draw).

During this season Paula has managed to achieve a 17-11 match record. Paula Badosa’s best achievement of the present season was getting to the semifinal at the Australian Open.

Aryna Sabalenka and Paula Badosa squared off 8 times. Their current head to head is 6-2 for Sabalenka.

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