Toronto WTA decimated by major pullouts

Next week’s Toronto Masters became a massive victim of Paris Olympic fatigue with the withdrawals of three Grand Slam champions on the eve of the draw.

Reigning Wimbledon winner Barbora Krejcikova, 2022 All England Club champion Elena Rybakina and world No. 1 and four-time French Open winner Iga Swiatek all pulled the plug on Canada, citing stress from this week’s Olympic experience.

Swiatek was already devastated as she lost an Olympic semi-final to China’s Australian Open finalist Zheng Qinwen and was barely consoled by winning the Games bronze by beating Anna Schmiedlova.

“I’m sorry to announce that due to overall fatigue caused by the last couple of weeks on the court I need to withdraw from the tournament in Toronto,” the 23-year-old Pole said.

“Due to an intense tennis schedule with the Olympics taking place this year and changing surfaces, I need more time to rest and recover in order to be ready to play the US swing in good health and at my best possible level.”

Czech Krejickova blamed a thigh injury due to “an intense schedule” for her Canadian absence while Rybakina, who missed the Olympics with bronchitis, remains unfit.

“Despite my best efforts to recover in time, my current health condition does not allow me to compete at the level required,” the Kazakh said.

“Competing in Canada is always a special experience and I am looking forward to performing there again next year.”

Top 10 players missing from the field include Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini, Maria Sakkari and Danielle Collins.

Organisers are now hoping against the odds for Aryna Sabalenka and US Olympian Coco to front up.