Inferior Physical Fitness Forces Iga Swiatek and Sofia Kenin To Pull Out From Rogers Cup 2021

Following Naomi Osaka, the American professional Sofia Kenin and Polish star Iga Swiatek have withdrawn from Rogers Cup 2021. However, unlike the Japanese, whose reason for pull-out is still unknown, the two gave fitness woes as their reason.

Notably, Kenin has still not fully recovered from a minor foot injury, so she decided not to play in Montreal this year. Before this, the 22-year-old also had withdrawn from San Jose because of the same reason.

As for Swiatek, the reason for skipping the National Bank Open was a much-needed break. She has been consistently playing on the WTA Tour since the clay court swing, starting in May. Thus, in attempt to get fresh legs for the US Open 2021, she withdrew from the WTA 1000 event.

What’s interesting is that Osaka, Kenin, and Swiatek are also the three women’s singles Grand Slam champions of 2020. Hence, their absence from the Rogers Cup 2021 will certainly affect the competition.

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Sofia Kenin, Iga Swiatek join Naomi Osaka in Rogers Cup 2021 withdrawals list

So far, there have been four WTA Top 10 pull-outs from Rogers Cup 2021. They are Ashleigh Barty, Naomi Osaka, Sofia Kenin, and Iga Swiatek. Most significantly, the 2019 runner-up and 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams has also withdrawn from the tournament.

Coming back to Kenin, she even skipped Tokyo Olympics 2020 participation after Wimbledon second round loss. Therefore, she would be hoping for a quick recovery to soon return to the tennis courts.

Conversely, Swiatek would be eyeing for a full force comeback at the Cincinnati Masters 2021 the week after Rogers Cup. Inarguably, she has grown to be a notable candidate for the US Open 2021 title.

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Whom to watch out for at Rogers Cup after Osaka, Kenin, and Swiatek withdrawal?

Since Osaka has withdrawn, Belarusian World No.3 Aryna Sabalenka will be the event’s top seed. Inarguably, she would be one of the favorites for the title.

Moreover, the defending champion Bianca Andreescu is also in the players’ field. Thus, it would be interesting to see her defend the title after two years.

Apart from them, former World No.1s Simona Halep and Victoria Azarenka also will compete for Rogers Cup 2021. All in all, the tournament will indeed upheld high expectations despite the big withdrawals.

On 9th August 2021, the National Bank Open will commence and conclude on 15th August. Let’s see who among the bests stands out to take the title this year.

Who is your favorite for the title in Montreal this year?

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