Alexanderova Beats Sabalenka in Three-Set Thriller at Toronto

Toronto hosted a dramatic showdown on August 9 as Ekaterina Alexanderova overcame Aryna Sabalenka, the world’s No. 1, with a scoreline of 7‑6(3), 4‑6, 6‑4. The contest stretched to two hours and 29 minutes, featuring relentless rallies and multiple service breaks.

The Russian, ranked 19th globally, now moves into the Canada Open quarter‑finals, achieving her third victory over the season’s top‑ranked opponent. Her earlier wins over Iga Swiatek in Miami 2024 and Sabalenka in Doha 2025 underline a growing confidence on the big stage, marking her sixth WTA 1000 quarter‑final appearance.

Each player managed three breaks of serve, with Alexanderova seizing the opening tiebreak. Sabalenka answered by breaking once to claim the second set, forcing a decisive third set that echoed the pattern of the first. After a series of tightly contested games, Alexanderova clinched the set and match.

The day also saw Lina Svitolina dispatch Amanda Anisimova 6‑2, 6‑4, and Iga Swiatek bounce back from a 3‑6 opening set loss to defeat Marta Kostyuk 3‑6, 6‑1, 6‑2. Following the exits of Jessica Pegula, Sabalenka and Mira Andreeva, the remaining top‑five seeds are Elena Rybakina (seed 2) and Coco Gauff (seed 4).

The tournament’s narrative continues to evolve as the field tightens ahead of the upcoming rounds.