Now that the tennis competition at the Paris Olympics is over, all eyes turn to the North American hard-court summer as momentum builds toward the U.S. Open. Up next on the WTA schedule is a Premier 1000 event in Toronto. Unsurprisingly, the field is depleted on the immediate heels of the Olympics. Among those not participating are Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, Jasmine Paolini, gold medalist Qinwen Zheng, and Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova. Needless to say, the Toronto title is entirely up for grabs.
Here are my best bets for the women’s 2024 National Bank Open.
Aryna Sabalenka (+350)Â
While most of the tour was toiling away on the terre battue of Roland Garros, Sabalenka was hobbled by a shoulder injury that also forced her to miss Wimbledon. Although it was a tough time of year to have been sidelined, it could be a blessing in disguise for her summer hard-court prospects. In fact, Sabalenka already has three matches under her belt after reaching the Washington, D.C. semifinals this past week. No matter that the Belarusian has never been past the semis in Canada; her hard-court prowess is obvious. Sabalenka is a two-time Australian Open winner and was the 2023 U.S. Open runner-up.
Victoria Azarenka (+4000)Â
Not unlike Sabalenka, Azarenka will be well rested for the hard-court swing after skipping the Olympics. It was probably a good decision, as the 35-year-old would not have been a serious medal contender on clay. On her preferred hard-court surface, however, she can still do some damage. Azarenka is a two-time Aussie Open champion and three-time U.S. Open finalist. The Belarusian has advanced to the semifinals in Canada on three occasions and has reached the quarters on two other occasions. Moreover, Azarenka is coming off a quarterfinal performance in D.C. (lost to Sabalenka).
Emma Navarro (+2000)Â
The American women thoroughly underwhelmed in Paris, but they did not leave without making some headlines. Both Navarro and Danielle Collins had some not-so-friendly words for their opponents in the aftermath of their losses–Navarro for Zheng and Collins for Swiatek. It’s unclear exactly what the deal was, but whatever the case Navarro wasn’t happy. The world No. 15 will, however, be thrilled to be back closer to home on North American hard courts. Having failed to make the medal rounds, Navarro will be rested enough and ready to give it a go for the Toronto title. Hard-court results this season include a title in Hobart (title), the quarterfinals in Indian Wells, and the fourth round in Miami. She also made a run to the Wimbledon quarters.
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