The tennis world was stunned in Montreal as two-time defending champion Jessica Pegula suffered a surprising defeat, falling to the unseeded Anastasija Sevastova in a thrilling third-round match at the National Bank Open. This unexpected upset sent shockwaves through the tournament, highlighting the unpredictable nature of elite professional tennis and setting a new trajectory for both athletes.
Sevastova, a veteran from Latvia whose ranking had plummeted to 386th after significant injury setbacks, including a torn ACL and maternity leave, showcased remarkable resilience. Her arduous path back to the WTA Tour has seen her play only 24 matches at this level over the past four years, yet her protected ranking allowed her entry into the main draw where she proved to be a formidable opponent.
Despite being down 2-0 in the second set, Sevastova’s determination shone through as she strategically turned the tide, breaking the third-seeded Pegula an impressive six times out of ten opportunities. “Somehow, I was down 2-0 in the second set and started to play better and better,” Sevastova stated, emphasizing her tactical shift and mental fortitude that led to her dominant third-set performance in Montreal.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Anastasija Sevastova, who openly spoke about her “unfinished business” on the court, driven by a desire to demonstrate her capability post-injury. Her win over a top-10 player like Jessica Pegula positions her as the lowest-ranked player to achieve such a feat since Angelique Kerber’s upset at Indian Wells last year, underscoring the magnitude of her comeback.
Conversely, for Jessica Pegula, this early exit continues a challenging run on the tour, following single-match exits at Wimbledon and the D.C. Open in July. Despite winning her opening match in the National Bank Open against Maria Sakkari, her overall performance has been marked by inconsistency, raising questions about her current form heading into the latter part of the season.
Pegula herself acknowledged her struggles, expressing frustration with her “up and down” and “sloppy” play. “It hasn’t been great, to be honest,” Pegula admitted, reflecting on her recent performances. Her candid assessment underscores the mental and physical demands on top athletes, even those at the pinnacle of their sport and experiencing a tennis upset.
The tournament, meanwhile, saw other significant developments. In the night session, Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek comfortably advanced, while Naomi Osaka secured her spot in the fourth round, setting up compelling matchups for the next stages of the prestigious Montreal event, further intensifying the competitive landscape after Pegula’s unexpected departure from the WTA Tour.
Sevastova’s incredible journey back from multiple injuries, particularly a torn ACL, serves as a testament to her fighting spirit and unwavering commitment to professional tennis. Her ability to not only compete but to overcome a two-time defending champion speaks volumes about her resolve and potential to disrupt the rankings further within the Montreal tennis scene.
This surprising result at the National Bank Open is poised to be a major talking point in the tennis community, not only for the immediate implications for Jessica Pegula’s season but also for the inspiring narrative of Anastasija Sevastova’s remarkable return to prominence on the WTA tour stage.
