Serena Williams and Simona Halep to Miss Rogers Cup 2021, Naomi Osaka to Show Up

The WTA recently released the entry list for the main draw of the Rogers Cup, also called the National Bank Open, that will happen in Montreal, Canada. While the statement came bearing good news for some, it was a heartbreak for others. Even though the defending champion, Bianca Andreescu, will take part in the event, her fellow finalist, Serena Williams, will miss out. Regardless, the draw promises some enthralling battles fans can look forward to.

The event is scheduled to begin on the 9th and end on the 15th of August. Fans are in for a treat as World No. 2, Naomi Osaka will take part in the tournament. This would be Naomi’s first appearance on the court since her withdrawal from the French Open and the 2021 Wimbledon Championship. 

Romanian International Simona Halep will join Serena on the list of those who will miss out.

Tough luck for Serena Williams and Simona Halep

The 23-time Grand Slam Champion will have to rest out the Rogers Cup. Fans waiting anxiously for her return will have to once again settle for disappointment. Earlier, the 39-year-old already announced that she will not be taking part in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. As speculations of retirement rise, fans are hopeful of seeing Serena Williams at the 2021 US Open.

World No. 9, Simona Halep, too will miss out on the event in Montreal. The former Wimbledon champion had to withdraw from the tournament because of a calf injury. In a heartfelt post, she also announced that she will not be representing Romania at the Summer Olympic Games.

Read more: Venus Williams Reveals How Dad Richard Williams Accompanies her for ‘Every Practice’ Session

Naomi Osaka will be seen at the Rogers Cup

The Japanese International has been away from the court for over two months now. Earlier this year, she withdrew from the French Open on the grounds of mental health. Her decision to leave the tournament rocked the sporting world. While some criticized her, many came to Naomi’s aid. Courtesy of her much-needed break, Naomi Osaka is now ready to return to the court.

Defending champion, Bianca Andreescu, will also be a part of the tournament. “Winning the National Bank Open in 2019 was a dream come true, and I hope I can defend the title next month in Montreal,” she said.

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