Canadian Open Shocker: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka Stunned by Ekaterina Alexandrova in Fourth Round
The tennis world witnessed a massive upset at the Canadian Open in Toronto as world number one and reigning US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka suffered a shocking defeat ahead of her major title defense. In a grueling, high-intensity fourth-round battle, Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova pulled off the biggest win of her tournament run, overcoming the top seed with a scoreline of 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-4. The hard-fought encounter lasted approximately two and a half hours, ending with a dramatic final-set lapse that dashed Sabalenka's hopes of lifting the Canadian Open trophy and sending Alexandrova charging into the quarter-finals.
How Alexandrova Overcame the Four-Time Grand Slam Champion
The match was a true test of endurance and nerve for both players. Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, started strong and secured an early lead in the opening set. However, 16th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova mounted a fierce comeback, dragging the first set into a tiebreak and dominating it 7-3 to draw first blood. Undeterred, Sabalenka fought back in the second set, breaking Alexandrova’s serve while leading 4-3 to clinch the set and level the match at one set apiece, setting the stage for a tense, high-stakes decider.
Dramatic Finish in the Deciding Set as Sabalenka Falters Under Pressure
As the match entered the third and final set, Alexandrova maintained supreme composure and consistency from the baseline, while Sabalenka's unforced errors began to mount. Serving to stay in the match at 4-5 down, the world number one bravely saved two match points under immense pressure. However, a crucial double-fault on the third match point handed Alexandrova the break and the historic victory. Reflecting on her resilience, the Russian star closed out the match cleanly to seal her spot in the next round.
Next Up: Alexandrova to Face Elina Svitolina in Quarter-Finals
With the upset victory secured, Ekaterina Alexandrova will not have much time to rest as she advances to the quarter-finals. She is scheduled to face Ukraine's Elina Svitolina, who booked her own spot in the final eight with a commanding 6-2, 6-4 victory over America's eighth seed Amanda Anisimova. As the Canadian Open heats up, tennis fans eagerly await whether Alexandrova can maintain her winning momentum or if Svitolina will halt her dream run.
