The WTA Montreal has been a great tournament so far, with many exciting matches. Examples include Caroline Wozniacki’s successful return in her first-round match after over three years away from tennis, and Marie Bouzkova knocking out fifth seed Caroline Garcia in three sets. Upcoming contests to savour include the number #1 seed and undoubtedly good for tennis Iga Swiatek playing former Wimbledon finalist Karolina Pliskova.
Unfortunately, the tournament has had a minor setback. Two quality players ranked inside the Top 20 have announced their withdrawals from the Masters 1000 event.
Two US Open Finalists Withdraw From WTA Montreal Masters
Two-time Australian Open winner Victoria Azarenka is the first woman to withdraw. The 34-year-old was preparing to battle former US Open champion Sloane Stephens for a place in the round of 16, but injury stopped her from doing so. Azarenka said the following in a statement on social media: “I have unfortunate news that during the warm up for tonight’s match I re-injured a lingering injury that I thought was resolved and need to withdraw from the match. Wishing the event all the best success and good luck to Sloane Stephens for the rest of the tournament.”
Azarenka is a three-time US Open finalist, and it is understandable that the world #19 is being cautious with the last Grand Slam of the year starting in less than three weeks.
Another US Open finalist and Top 20 player withdrawing from the WTA Montreal Masters is Madison Keys. The world #15 will take no further part in Montreal due to a hip injury she sustained during her first-round victory against seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams. Keys was struggling slightly in the second set despite her impressive win against her legendary countrywoman. That may partially explain why the recent Wimbledon quarterfinalist needed nine match points to eventually overcome Williams.
The 2017 US Open finalist has been playing some of her best tennis in a while this season. Hopefully, the injury is nothing too serious.
Embed from Getty Images
How Do the Withdrawals Affect the Draw?
Azarenka’s withdrawal meant that the winner of the US Open in 2017 Sloane Stephens progresses straight through to the third round of the WTA Montreal Masters. She plays the winner of the match between Elena Rybakina and Jennifer Brady, whose match was suspended at 6-6 in the first set due to rain. Rybakina is the Grand Slam champion, but Brady is also playing excellent tennis currently. Either woman would be a stiff challenge for Stephens.
Jasmine Paolini benefits from the withdrawal of Keys. The Italian had only previously reached the third round of a Masters 1000 event at Indian Wells, but that has changed. Fourth seed Jessica Pegula or Yulia Putinsteva will be the next challenge for Paolini.
