Sabalenka aims to bounce back in Toronto after Wimbledon disappointment

Aryna Sabalenka is set to defend her world number one ranking at the WTA 1000 tournament in Toronto, aiming to reassert her dominance on hard courts. This comes after disappointing quarter-final and round-of-16 exits at the French Open and Wimbledon, respectively.

Sabalenka has a formidable 23-1 record on hard courts this year, with her only loss in a final. However, her recent performances on clay and grass have raised questions. She admitted to trying "a couple of things" that didn't work as expected but is now "back to basics" after a much-needed break.

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Clay and grass, I wouldn't say they were that bad. I was trying a couple of things, didn't go the way that I expected. And now we're kind of back to basics and I really hope it's going to work out well.

"I think the rest was much-needed," Sabalenka told reporters. "I spent there five, six days maybe. I felt much better, I couldn't wait to get back on court and start working towards my goals for this swing." She took a holiday in Mykonos after Wimbledon, having previously expressed a desire to "forget about tennis."

Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina, who could overtake Sabalenka for the No. 1 ranking if she wins the tournament and Sabalenka doesn't reach the round of 16, is in the bottom half of the draw. The top half features Jessica Pegula, Amanda Anisimova, and Iga Swiatek. Notably, Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova is seeded sixth and could face rising star Alexandra Eala. Reigning champion Victoria Mboko and Wimbledon runner-up Karolina Muchova are absent due to injury.

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I think the rest was much-needed. I spent there five, six days maybe. I felt much better, I couldn't wait to get back on court and start working towards my goals for this swing.