Reporting note: this article draws on BBC Sport; PGLive provides the summary and editorial framing.
Shock Defeats in Toronto and Montreal
World number one Aryna Sabalenka and British number two Cameron Norrie have both exited the Canadian Open (National Bank Open) at the last 16 stage. The results mark a significant shift in the tournament brackets as players look toward the final stages of the hard-court season.
In Toronto, Aryna Sabalenka fell to Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova in a grueling two-and-a-half-hour contest, finishing 7-6 (7-3), 4-6, 6-4. Despite recovering from a set down to force a decider, Sabalenka’s campaign ended on a double fault while serving to stay in the match. Alexandrova, who admitted she felt the momentum slipping after the second set, now advances to face Elina Svitolina in the quarter-finals.
In the men’s draw in Montreal, Cameron Norrie was unable to capitalize on his recent momentum following his victory over Alex de Minaur. Norrie was defeated 6-2, 7-6 (10-8) by 18th seed Arthur Fils. Although the Briton saved three match points in the second set to force a tie-break, Fils secured the win in one hour and 43 minutes. Fils is set to meet Rafael Jodar in the next round.
Key Results and Tournament Progression
- Jessica Pegula was eliminated by Diana Shnaider 6-3, 6-3, marking a first career loss for the third seed against the 22-year-old.
- Iga Swiatek overcame a difficult start against Marta Kostyuk, rallying from a 3-6 opening set to win 3-6, 6-1, 6-2.
- Rafael Jodar continued his impressive run by upsetting eighth seed Jiri Lehecka 6-3, 6-3.
- Luciano Darderi and Brandon Nakashima both advanced following three-set victories.
The tournament continues as the remaining field competes for a place in the semi-finals, with eyes turning toward the upcoming US Open.
