World number one Aryna Sabalenka eliminated from Canadian Open by Ekaterina Alexandrova

In a stunning fourth-round match at the Canadian Open, Aryna Sabalenka was eliminated by Ekaterina Alexandrova. The match, which took place on August 9, 2026, was a closely contested three-set marathon. Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam singles champion and the tournament's top seed, was favored to advance further. However, Alexandrova, ranked 19th, delivered a performance that secured her victory and marked one of the biggest surprises of the event.

Sabalenka's loss is significant not only because of her status as the world number one but also due to her impressive track record in Grand Slam tournaments. With four titles to her name, she was expected to dominate the Canadian Open. Alexandrova's victory highlights the competitive landscape of women's tennis, where lower-ranked players can challenge the elite. This match serves as a reminder of the sport's unpredictability and the potential for upsets at any stage of a tournament.

As the Canadian Open continues, the implications of Sabalenka's defeat will be closely monitored. Other top players will need to adapt to the shifting momentum and capitalize on the opportunity presented by this upset. Upcoming matches featuring lower-ranked players could lead to further surprises, making the remainder of the tournament particularly exciting. The performance of other top seeds will be critical as they navigate the changing dynamics of the competition.