Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, is eliminated by Ekaterina Alexandrova at the Canadian Open (WTA Toronto Masters). Sabalenka loses in the round of 16 on Saturday, falling in three sets and ending the run of the tournament’s top seed.
Alexandrova, seeded 16th, wins 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 6-4 in a match that lasts about 2 hours and 29 minutes. The result is described across outlets as a major upset, with Sabalenka’s status as a four-time Grand Slam champion and top-ranked player contrasted against Alexandrova’s lower seed.
All reports also place the defeat in the context of Sabalenka’s upcoming schedule, including her plan to pursue a third consecutive US Open title next month. They further note Sabalenka’s head-to-head meeting with Alexandrova now sits at 5-5, and Alexandrova advances to the quarterfinals where she is set to play the winner of either Amanda Anisimova or Elina Svitolina.
