Anastasija Sevastova produced a major upset at the WTA Canadian Open on Friday, defeating two-time defending champion Jessica Pegula 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 to secure a place in the fourth round against Naomi Osaka.
Match Highlights
| Match | Result | Notable Points |
| Sevastova vs Pegula | 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 | Sevastova ends Pegula’s 11-match Canada win streak |
| Osaka vs Ostapenko | 6-2, 6-4 | Osaka inches closer to first WTA 1000 quarter-final since maternity return |
| Swiatek vs Lys | 6-2, 6-2 | Swiatek cruises in first tournament post-Wimbledon win |
| Keys vs McNally | 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 | Keys to face Muchova next |
| Muchova vs Bencic | 6-7(2), 6-2, 6-3 | Muchova stages comeback victory |
Sevastova’s Stunning Comeback
- Current Rank: 386 (Former World No. 11)
- Comeback Trail: Returned to professional tennis in February 2024 following maternity leave
- Match Analysis:
- Pegula took the first set with dominant breaks.
- Sevastova rallied from 0-2 in the second set, breaking Pegula for a 5-4 lead and held off three break points to level the match.
- In the final set, Sevastova surged ahead 4-1 and maintained momentum to seal the match.
“Third set I played really good. Just trying to stay on the court as long as possible,” – Sevastova
Pegula Reflects on Collapse
Jessica Pegula, who was the first woman to win consecutive Canadian Open titles since Martina Hingis (1999–2000), lamented her sudden drop in performance:
“I felt like I had total control… and then I just played a couple of terrible games… I don’t really feel like I’m playing great tennis.”
Pegula has faced a slump recently, with early exits at both Wimbledon and Washington.
Osaka’s Solid Progress
- Current Rank: 49
- Comeback Note: Yet to reach a WTA 1000 or Grand Slam quarter-final since return
- Match Breakdown:
- Took the first set in just 30 minutes, breaking on a double fault.
- Went 3-1 up in the second but was broken at 5-3 by a sharp Ostapenko return.
- Osaka responded immediately, breaking at love to seal the win.
“I just tried to keep my pace and stay as solid as I could,” – Osaka
Swiatek’s Winning Start
World No. 2 Iga Swiatek, fresh off her Wimbledon title, displayed commanding form against Germany’s Eva Lys, dispatching her 6-2, 6-2 to enter the fourth round.
- Next Opponent: Clara Tauson (Defeated Yuliia Starodubtseva 6-3, 6-0)
With the elimination of Pegula, the draw has opened up significantly, offering a potential breakthrough moment for returning mothers Osaka and Sevastova, as well as for top seed Swiatek to capitalise on her momentum.
