Osaka confirmed for Montreal event in August - organisers

[July 15, 2021]  (Reuters) - World number two Naomi Osaka, who withdrew from this year's French Open and Wimbledon on mental health grounds, will compete in Montreal next month, organisers of the Canadian event said on Wednesday.

Osaka, a four-time Gland Slam champion who is one of Japan's best gold medal prospects at the Tokyo Olympics, will be part of a field at the Aug. 9-15 U.S. Open tune-up that currently features 18 of the WTA's top 20 players.

Organisers also said Wimbledon champion and world number one Ash Barty, number three Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, former winner Elina Svitolina of Ukraine and defending champion Bianca Andreescu also are among those who confirmed their participation.

"We are delighted to welcome the likes of Ashleigh Barty, Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka, as well as Bianca Andreescu, who we know will get a reception for the ages from our passionate fans in Montreal," Montreal tournament director Eugene Lapierre said in a news release.

The 2020 edition was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Japan's Naomi Osaka in action during her first round match against Romania's Patricia Maria Tig REUTERS/Christian Hartmann

Andreescu won the event two years ago when it was held in Toronto before going on to become Canada's first Grand Slam singles champion at that year's U.S. Open.

"As a Canadian, this tournament has a special place in my heart and it is always such a pleasure to play in front of the best fans in the world," world number five Andreescu said in a news release.

"Winning the National Bank Open in 2019 was a dream come true, and I hope I can defend the title next month in Montreal."

(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Toby Davis)

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