Anastasija Sevastova delivered a seismic shock at the WTA Canadian Open, defeating two-time defending champion Jessica Pegula in a thrilling encounter that has redefined the tournament’s landscape.
The Latvian tennis player, remarkably ranked 386th globally, overcame the fourth-ranked Pegula with a decisive 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory on Friday, ending Pegula’s impressive 11-match winning streak at the WTA Canadian Open. This streak was the longest since tennis icon Serena Williams’ dominant run from 2011 to 2014.
Sevastova’s triumph marks a significant comeback for the former world No. 11, who has been battling injuries since her return from maternity leave in February 2024. Reflecting on the match, she stated, “Somehow, I was down 2-0 in the second set and started to play better and better. Third set I played really good,” highlighting her resilience and determination to “stay on the court as long as possible.”
This monumental victory now sets the stage for a highly anticipated fourth-round clash against Japanese superstar Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion. Osaka herself secured her spot by dispatching another Latvian player, 22nd seed Jelena Ostapenko, in a commanding 6-2, 6-4 performance, underlining her formidable form.
Osaka, now ranked 49th, demonstrated her tactical prowess, breaking serve on a double fault to clinch the first set in just 30 minutes and quickly establishing a 3-1 lead in the second. Despite a late rally from Ostapenko, including saving a match point, Osaka closed out the match, remarking, “I went in there knowing she’s a great player and if I give her a chance she’s going to hit a winner on me, so I just tried to keep my pace and stay as solid as I could.”
Jessica Pegula, last year’s US Open runner-up and the first woman to win back-to-back Canadian Open titles since Martina Hingis in 1999-2000, faced an unexpected challenge. Despite an early break in the second set, she couldn’t maintain her lead. Sevastova capitalised, breaking back for a crucial 5-4 advantage and then holding serve through three break chances, ultimately forcing and dominating the decisive third set.
In other notable tournament action, second-seeded Iga Swiatek, making her first appearance since her Wimbledon victory, advanced swiftly to the fourth round. Swiatek displayed her characteristic dominance, securing a comfortable 6-2, 6-2 win over Germany’s Eva Lys, further cementing her status as a top contender in the tournament.
The WTA Canadian Open continues to deliver compelling tennis narratives, with unexpected upsets and star performances shaping the draw. The upcoming encounter between Sevastova and Osaka promises to be a must-watch match, as both players vie for a spot in the quarterfinals of this prestigious hard court tennis tournament.
