Russian tennis player Ekaterina Alexandrova produced one of the biggest upsets of the Canadian Open, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic three-set match.
Alexandrova, ranked 19th in the world, won 7-6, 4-6, 6-4 after two hours and 29 minutes of intense tennis, ending Sabalenka's run at the tournament.
Alexandrova Takes the First Set
Sabalenka made a strong start to the match, breaking Alexandrova's serve to take an early 2-0 lead.
However, the Russian quickly turned the match around, winning four consecutive games to move ahead 4-2.
Sabalenka Struggles With Her Serve
Sabalenka experienced clear difficulties during the opening set, particularly with her first serve.
Her first-serve percentage stood at just 46.2%, while she committed five double faults and won only nine points behind her second serve.
Alexandrova continued to apply pressure with her return game, forcing Sabalenka into difficult situations.
The world No. 1 also struggled in the tiebreak, allowing Alexandrova to take the opening set 7-6.
Sabalenka Fights Back in the Second Set
Sabalenka attempted to fight her way back into the contest during the second set and had opportunities to break her opponent's serve.
One important chance slipped away when she failed to convert a high ball into an easy winner, instead sending it into the net.
As the set progressed, Sabalenka regained some of her rhythm and saved three break points before eventually breaking Alexandrova once.
That break proved decisive as Sabalenka won the second set 6-4 and forced a deciding set.
Alexandrova Seals the Upset
Alexandrova refused to allow Sabalenka to complete the comeback, maintaining her pressure throughout the deciding set.
The Russian benefited from continued errors by Sabalenka, whose concentration gradually faded as the match approached its conclusion.
Double Fault Seals Sabalenka's Defeat
Alexandrova broke Sabalenka's serve three times in the deciding set, taking the total number of breaks in the match to seven.
The final moment summed up Sabalenka's difficult night as she committed her seventh double fault of the match on match point.
Alexandrova completed the upset with a 7-6, 4-6, 6-4 victory and secured her place in the Canadian Open quarterfinals.
Alexandrova Awaits Her Quarterfinal Opponent
Alexandrova will face the winner of the match between Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina and American Amanda Anisimova in the quarterfinals.
The Russian will now look to build on her impressive victory and continue her run at the tournament.
Sabalenka Turns Attention to US Open Defense
Sabalenka's Canadian Open campaign has come to an end after she claimed three singles titles during the 2026 season.
The Belarusian will now turn her attention to the upcoming US Open, where she will attempt to defend the title she won last year.
Who did Alexandrova defeat at the Canadian Open?
She defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
What was the score?
Alexandrova won 7-6, 4-6, 6-4.
How long did the match last?
The match lasted two hours and 29 minutes.
Who could Alexandrova face next?
She will face the winner of Elina Svitolina and Amanda Anisimova.
How many double faults did Sabalenka commit?
Sabalenka committed seven double faults during the match.
