Naomi Osaka Announces Unfortunate News Ahead of US Open 2021 Title Defence

After Tokyo Olympics 2020 loss, tennis fans geared up to see Naomi Osaka back in action on the WTA Tour. However, they might have to wait a little longer as she announced her withdrawal from Rogers Cup 2021. Naturally, it has put her US Open 2021 title defense campaign under gray clouds.

In addition, the reason for the withdrawal from the now called National Bank Open tournament is still unknown. Thus, it further extends concern regarding her plans for the 2021 season.

BREAKING: Naomi Osaka, Iga Swiatek and Sofia Kenin have withdrawn from @OBNmontreal. #OBN21

— Max Gao • 高俊鹏 (@MaxJGao) August 3, 2021

No doubt, the four-time Grand Slam champion has had an wavering season this year. Although Osaka started with a bang, clinching her second Australian Open title, the aftermath has been a challenge.

Before this, the 23-year-old Japanese star also had withdrawn from the French Open, citing mental health concerns. It was then followed by a shocking Wimbledon pullout.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis – Women’s Singles – Round 3 – Ariake Tennis Park – Tokyo, Japan – July 27, 2021. Naomi Osaka of Japan walks off after losing her third round match against Marketa Vondrousova of Czech Republic REUTERS/Mike Segar

Besides her, American Sofia Kenin and Polish Iga Swiatek will also not participate in this year’s Rogers Cup. They both are suffering from minor injuries and looking for recovery time.

Some withdrawals just revealed for the upcoming @OBNmontreal as Naomi Osaka, Iga Swiatek and Sofia Kenin will no longer be competing in Montreal.

No reason was given from Osaka while Swiatek cited the need for rest after the Olympic Games and Kenin’s foot is still ailing her. pic.twitter.com/l06Bra809A

— Mike McIntyre (@McIntyreTennis) August 3, 2021

Read More: Rogers Cup 2021: Will Fans be Allowed in Toronto and Montreal?

Naomi Osaka joins Serena Williams in Rogers Cup 2021 withdrawal list

The announcement of the withdrawal came soon after the National Bank Open 2021 announced their women’s singles seed. Notably, World No.1 Ashleigh Barty had already canceled Montreal from her calendar, looking for some rest after strenuous few weeks.

As a result, Osaka would have started the Rogers Cup as the top seed. But since she has pulled-out now, Belarusian World No.3 Aryna Sabalenka will lead the players’ field.

Additionally, the 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams also opted out Montreal from her preparation camp for US Open 2021. Even so, the much anticipated WTA 1000 event has a lot of tennis is place and will start on August 9, 2021.

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Where can Osaka play next after Rogers Cup withdrawal?

Considering Osaka has provided no reason for her withdrawal yet, her come back to WTA continues to be under question. However, she would be eager to play in front of home crowd in New York and even defend her US Open title this year.

Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates winning match point during her Women’s Singles final match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus on Day Thirteen of the 2020 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 12, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Hence, the Japanese star might return to the tennis tour at the Cincinnati Masters 2021. Also, since she is a runner-up there, it would be a perfect place for her return.

Above all, fans hope that there is no serious reason behind her pulling out of Rogers Cup and can see her soon on the tennis court again. Do you think Osaka will defend her US Open title this year?

Also Read: When Will Serena Williams Return After Injury at Wimbledon Championships 2021

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