WTA Preview 2023 Canadian Open Montreal: Swiatek, Sabalenka and Rybakina headline as Wozniacki makes tour return
WTA
The WTA side of the draw as ever heads to Montreal for the Canadian Open, also known as Omnium Banque Nationale between August 7-13 which sees the start of the US Hard Court swing going into the US Open.
As ever, TennisUpToDate will preview the action with the latest WTA 1000 set to take place and the first gauge ahead of Flushing Meadows.
Swiatek, Sabalenka, Rybakina among top seeds
While in the ATP draw, there are some omissions, it is basically full strength on the WTA side. Iga Swiatek, current World No.1 and one of only a few who have played since Wimbledon leads the way. She could face Karolina Pliskova early on in Montreal.
Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina both return for the first time since Wimbledon. Both using the European summer to prepare, the former putting herself through extreme heat. While Rybakina holidayed in Italy and then headed to Slovakia for a training block.
Swiatek in particular won the Warsaw Open and ahead of her US Open title defence could look for a statement while others are still getting back up to speed. Ons Jabeur is the main miss due to injury, with Simona Halep like in the ATP with Carreno Busta not defending her title.
Read also
Return of Wozniacki in Montreal
Another of the leading storylines coming into the US Open hard court swing and in particular Montreal where she makes her return is Caroline Wozniacki. Deciding her farewell wasn't enough and not content with life as a pundit, she has now decided to return after three years away from the sport.
Now a mother of two kids, she says her fire still burns bright but of course there is intrigue with her not playing for three years. She could face Wimbledon champion, Marketa Vondrousova in the second round early on.
Elina Svitolina also continues her Summer of Svitolina, while Venus Williams has also been handed a wildcard. In a tournament of returns, Jennifer Brady makes her WTA 1000 return after playing Washington. So not only Wozniacki to return in Canada this next week.
Home heroes Fernandez and Andreescu also in action, Bouchard qualifying depending
There is also as ever the added intrigue of top Canadian talent in action with Bianca Andreescu recently saying that she felt like 2019 again. That was ominous given her run at the Canadian Open back then.
She lost though early to Marta Kostyuk in Washington to pay heed to that but will count on top billing and home support in Montreal. As will Leylah Fernandez who is off the back of a great week in DC reaching the Quarter-Finals losing to Maria Sakkari.
Eugenie Bouchard could join them, but that is qualifying dependent facing Danielle Collins on Saturday (05 August). Other top seeds to mention overall from the draw include Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Caroline Garcia, the aforementioned Sakkari and Petra Kvitova.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
