The tennis world was left in disbelief as two-time defending champion Jessica Pegula suffered a stunning third-round exit at the Canadian Open, falling to the unseeded Anastasija Sevastova. This monumental tennis upset marks one of the most surprising outcomes of the tournament, leaving fans and analysts questioning what unfolded on the court.
Pegula, a consistent force in recent years on the WTA Tour, had a remarkable record at the Canadian Open, reaching at least the semifinals in her four previous appearances. Her unexpected departure from the tournament signifies a major shake-up in the draw and highlights the unpredictable nature of elite women’s tennis.
The match began with Pegula appearing to be in control, securing an early break and establishing a 2-0 lead in the first set. Despite Sevastova’s efforts to correct her service issues, the American remained calm and clinically closed out the set 6-3, winning a high percentage of her first and second serve points, suggesting a routine victory was on the horizon for the top player.
However, the narrative shifted dramatically in the second set. While Pegula again secured an early break, giving her a 2-0 advantage, uncharacteristic errors began to plague her game. Capitalizing on these lapses, the veteran Anastasija Sevastova seized the initiative, executing two consecutive breaks and holding her own service games to build a surprising 4-2 lead.
Despite Pegula’s attempt at a comeback, breaking back to level the score at 4-4, she struggled to maintain a consistent level of play. Sevastova displayed incredible resilience, particularly in the crucial final game of the second set, where she saved four break points against her serve before ultimately securing the set 6-4, pushing the match into a decisive third set.
The momentum firmly swung in Sevastova’s favor as the third set commenced. She continued to display remarkable composure, saving three more crucial break points early on and demonstrating her unwavering focus. In stark contrast, Jessica Pegula’s game unraveled, marked by a succession of errors and a significant drop in her first-serve percentage and win rate.
Anastasija Sevastova delivered a masterclass in resilience and tactical play, securing three consecutive breaks in the final set. She gave Pegula no opportunities to recover, swiftly transforming a 0-1 deficit into a dominant 6-1 victory in just 31 minutes. This remarkable triumph represents Sevastova’s best victory in five years, culminating in a memorable Canadian Open outcome. The victory sets up an intriguing clash for Sevastova against former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka for a spot in the quarterfinals, continuing her surprising run.
