Ekaterina Alexandrov took down four-time Grand Slam singles champion Aryna Sabalenka in a three-set marathon in Toronto.
Printed On 9 Aug 2026
World primary Aryna Sabalenka suffered a setback in her US Open build-up after she was overwhelmed 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-4 by Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova within the fourth spherical of the Canadian Open in Toronto on Saturday.
The Sixteenth-seeded Alexandrova fought a tough battle, lasting practically two and a half hours, to safe her quarterfinal berth.
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Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion and reigning US Open winner, recovered from a set right down to power a decider however was unable to halt Alexandrova’s aggressive shot-making within the last set.
The Belarusian broke early within the opening set earlier than Alexandrova rallied to power a tiebreak, which the Russian received to maneuver forward.
Sabalenka responded by seizing management of the second set with a break for a 4-3 lead earlier than serving out to degree the match.
Alexandrova held her nerve within the decider as Sabalenka’s error rely rose. Serving to remain within the match at 4-5, the highest seed saved two match factors, however a double fault on the third handed victory to the Russian.
“I simply tried to play each single level as if it was the final one as a result of together with her, you don’t [get] plenty of probabilities throughout the match,” Alexandrova mentioned in her on-court interview.
“Truthfully, I used to be attempting not to consider the rating or something. Simply hit the ball, and that’s it.
“I’m tremendous completely happy that I may win as a result of after the second set, I believed (the possibility) was already previous me.”
Alexandrova will face Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, who defeated American eighth seed Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 6-4 for a spot within the semifinals.
