Serena Williams To Play Toronto WTA in August

By Bibhu Ray

(The Quiver): Serena Williams will continue her comeback in the next month’s Canadian Open event. Williams, who lost in the first round of Wimbledon for the second time in a row this year, decided to use her protected ranking to compete in the main draw of the National Bank Open from August 6 to 14 for the first time since she reached the final of the previous year.

The former world number one, who played last her last first singles match in the year during the first round defeat at Wimbledon last month, was named in a star-studded field for August 6 to 14 tournament.
41 of the top 43 players will compete in Toronto, which will be led by World No. 1 Iga Swiatek. The tournament’s entrance cutoff was high this year due to the tournament’s strong entry list, which has the whole slate of the tour’s Top 10 players along with Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina, Roland Garros runner-up Coco Gauff, Canada’s own Leylah Fernandez, and reigning champion Andreescu. The final participant in the direct main draw was No.43 Sara Sorribes Tormo.
“When you read over the star-studded list, it’s hard not to get excited about the WTA tour making its return to Sobeys Stadium,” Tournament Director Karl Hale said.
“We are thrilled to that these players will have a chance to play in the front of a packed house, and we’re ever happier for our fans who will get the watch tennis’ very best at the 2022 edition of the National Bank Open.” he added.
The tournament also confirmed Andreescu will play her first match during the night session on Tuesday, August 9. No.1 Swiatek will open her campaign during the day session on August 10.