Overview
- Ekaterina Alexandrova defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-4 in the Canadian Open round of 16, with Sabalenka’s match-ending double fault on serve to stay in the decider sealing the victory.
- The win moves Alexandrova into a quarter-final against Elina Svitolina and stands out as a comeback moment after the Russian collapsed with heat-related issues in Memphis days earlier.
- Sabalenka will nevertheless keep the WTA world No. 1 ranking heading into the US Open, though the loss adds to a run of early exits at big events since spring.
- Reports cited by OptaAce note Sabalenka has lost six of 10 three-set matches this year, a troubling trend that commentators say could affect her title defense in New York.
- Only Elena Rybakina and Coco Gauff remain among the top-five seeds in Toronto, a result that sharpens the short-term ranking battle and puts emphasis on Cincinnati performance and points to be defended before the US Open.