The tennis world witnessed a significant upset at the National Bank Open in Montreal as two-time defending champion Jessica Pegula was shockingly eliminated in the third round by the unseeded Anastasija Sevastova, marking a pivotal moment in the tournament.
Sevastova, a Latvian veteran whose ranking had plummeted due to injuries, delivered a remarkable performance, overcoming a first-set deficit to defeat the third-seeded Pegula. Her resilience and strategic play were evident as she broke Pegula’s serve multiple times, showcasing a formidable return to elite form.
Reflecting on her unexpected triumph, Sevastova expressed her determination, stating, “Somehow, I was down 2-0 in the second set and started to play better and better. Third set, I played really good.” This victory holds particular significance for Sevastova, who has battled back from a torn ACL and maternity leave, viewing this match as “unfinished business” in her career.
For Jessica Pegula, the loss continues a challenging period in her season. Despite winning her opening match in Montreal, her early exits from Wimbledon and the D.C. Open in July highlight a struggle for consistent form. Pegula acknowledged her recent play, admitting, “It hasn’t been great, to be honest. I don’t really feel like I’m playing great tennis.”
Sevastova’s victory is particularly notable given her current world ranking of 386th, making her the lowest-ranked player to defeat a top-10 opponent since Angelique Kerber’s upset at Indian Wells last year. This remarkable turnaround underscores the unpredictable nature of top-tier tennis and the potential for comebacks.
The Montreal tournament continued to deliver intense competition beyond the Pegula-Sevastova clash. In other key third-round matches, Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek decisively advanced, while Naomi Osaka also secured her spot in the fourth round, setting up exciting future encounters in the WTA tour event.
Looking ahead, Anastasija Sevastova is slated to face Naomi Osaka in the next round, a match that promises to be a compelling battle between two formidable players. Her unexpected run has certainly injected a new level of excitement into the National Bank Open, leaving fans eager to see how far her remarkable comeback can extend.
Further intensifying the tournament’s landscape, Amanda Anisimova secured a dominant victory, advancing to face Elina Svitolina. These ongoing matchups underscore the depth of talent present at the National Bank Open, ensuring a thrilling progression of the women’s tennis competition.
