**World Number One Sabalenka Upset by Alexandrova at Canadian Open**
In a surprising turn of events at the Canadian Open, world number one Aryna Sabalenka was defeated by Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova in the fourth round, with a final score of 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-4. The match, which took place on August 8, 2026, lasted nearly two and a half hours and marked a significant setback for Sabalenka as she prepares for the upcoming US Open, scheduled to begin on August 23.
Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam champion and the reigning US Open winner, entered the match as the favorite, but faced a formidable challenge from the 16th-seeded Alexandrova. The match began with Sabalenka breaking early in the first set, showcasing her aggressive play style. However, Alexandrova quickly rallied, forcing a tiebreak that she won, allowing her to take the lead.
In response, Sabalenka displayed resilience, breaking Alexandrova’s serve to gain a 4-3 advantage in the second set. She maintained her composure to serve out the set, leveling the match and giving her fans hope for a comeback.
As the final set unfolded, Alexandrova’s determination shone through. Despite Sabalenka’s efforts to regain control, her error count began to rise, and Alexandrova capitalized on the opportunity. Serving to stay in the match at 4-5, Sabalenka saved two match points but ultimately succumbed to a double fault on the third, handing victory to Alexandrova.
Following her win, Alexandrova expressed her relief and happiness in an on-court interview. “I just tried to play every single point as if it was the last one because with her, you don’t get a lot of chances during the match,” she stated. “Honestly, I was trying not to think about the score or anything. Just hit the ball, and that’s it. I’m super happy that I could win because after the second set, I thought the chance was already past me.”
With this victory, Alexandrova secured her place in the quarterfinals, where she will face Ukraine's Elina Svitolina, who advanced after defeating American eighth seed Amanda Anisimova with a score of 6-2, 6-4.
As Sabalenka reflects on this unexpected loss, she will need to regroup quickly as she heads into the US Open, where she will aim to defend her title. The defeat at the Canadian Open serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of tennis, where even the top-ranked players can face challenges from lower-seeded opponents.
The Canadian Open continues to showcase thrilling matches and surprises, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion as players vie for the title and momentum heading into the US Open.