Aryna Sabalenka suffers Toronto setback as Ekaterina Alexandrova reaches quarter-finals

ONTARIO: World number one Aryna Sabalenka suffered a setback in her preparations for the US Open after losing to Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-4 in the fourth round of the Canadian Open here at Sobeys Stadium on Saturday.

Sixteenth seed Alexandrova produced an impressive performance to defeat the four-time Grand Slam champion in a contest lasting nearly two and a half hours.

Sabalenka, the reigning US Open champion, made a strong start by breaking early in the opening set. However, Alexandrova responded strongly to force a tie-break, which the Russian won to take the lead.

The Belarusian raised her level in the second set, securing a crucial break to move 4-3 ahead before holding her serve to level the match and force a deciding set.

Alexandrova remained aggressive in the final set and capitalised on a rise in unforced errors from Sabalenka. The Russian held her nerve when serving for the match at 5-4.

Sabalenka saved two match points, but a double fault on the third handed Alexandrova a memorable victory.

Reflecting on her triumph, Alexandrova said she stayed composed under pressure and was delighted to win after feeling her opportunity had slipped away following the second set.

“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,” Alexandrova said.

“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.”

Alexandrova will meet Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in the quarter-finals after Svitolina defeated eighth-seeded American Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 6-4.