World number one Aryna Sabalenka was eliminated from the Canadian Open in Toronto during the round of 16, marking a setback shortly before her scheduled US Open title defense. The Belarusian player was defeated by Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova in a three-set match lasting nearly two and a half hours, concluding with a score of 7-6 (7-3), 4-6, 6-4. A critical double fault from Sabalenka while serving to remain in the match secured the victory for the 16th seed.
This loss adds to a challenging season for Sabalenka, following earlier exits at the French Open and Wimbledon. Alexandrova, who admitted feeling that her opportunity had slipped away after the second set, is set to face Elina Svitolina in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, third seed Jessica Pegula was defeated by Diana Shnaider, who will go on to face Iga Swiatek.
In the men’s tournament in Montreal, British number two Cameron Norrie was knocked out by 18th seed Arthur Fils. Despite saving three match points during a second-set tie-break, Norrie lost 6-2, 7-6 (10-8). Fils will proceed to the quarter-finals to play Rafael Jodar, who defeated Jiri Lehecka. Additional victories were recorded by Brandon Nakashima and Luciano Darderi, with the latter notably pausing for an espresso during a break in his three-set win against Nuno Borges.
