Toronto, August 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the Canadian Open, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-4 to book her place in the quarterfinals in Toronto.
The 16th-seeded Alexandrova prevailed in a closely contested match lasting two hours and 29 minutes, becoming the latest top-five seed to exit the tournament.
The victory was Alexandrova’s third career win over a world No. 1. She had previously defeated Iga Swiatek in Miami in 2024 and Sabalenka in Doha in 2025. The result also secured her sixth WTA 1000 quarterfinal appearance and her first since Doha last year.
Alexandrova edged the opening set in a tiebreak after both players exchanged three breaks of serve. Sabalenka responded in the second set, converting her only break opportunity to level the match.
The deciding set again featured a series of service breaks as neither player was able to establish a clear advantage. Alexandrova eventually moved within one game of victory at 5-4, putting Sabalenka under pressure to hold serve.
The four-time Grand Slam champion saved two match points, but a third opportunity proved decisive as Alexandrova closed out the contest 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-4.
Alexandrova will next face Elina Svitolina, who defeated eighth-seeded Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 6-4 in one hour and 17 minutes to advance to the quarterfinals.
Earlier, two-time Canadian Open champion Jessica Pegula suffered a 6-3, 6-3 defeat against 15th seed Diana Shnaider.
Iga Swiatek also advanced after recovering from a first-set setback against Marta Kostyuk. The six-time Grand Slam champion lost the opening set 3-6 but dominated the next two to complete a 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory.
Swiatek struggled on serve in the opening set, being broken in all four of her service games, but did not drop serve again during the final two sets.
With Pegula, Sabalenka and Mirra Andreeva eliminated, second seed Elena Rybakina and fourth seed Coco Gauff are the only remaining players from the top five in the draw.
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