Sabalenka Suffers Shock Canadian Open Exit Ahead of US Open Defence

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has suffered a surprise defeat at the Canadian Open, falling to Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova in a dramatic fourth-round clash in Toronto.

Alexandrova, the 16th seed, battled past the reigning US Open champion 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-4 in a match lasting nearly two and a half hours.

Sabalenka fought back after dropping the opening set and looked capable of completing the comeback, but Alexandrova maintained her aggressive approach in the deciding set.

The Belarusian saved two match points while serving at 4-5, but a double fault on Alexandrova's third match point finally brought her run to an end.

The defeat comes at an important point in Sabalenka's season, with the US Open beginning later this month, where she will attempt to defend the Grand Slam title she won last year.

Her Canadian Open exit also continues a period of inconsistent results following her strong start to 2026, which included titles at Indian Wells and Miami.

For Alexandrova, meanwhile, the victory sends her into the quarter-finals, where she will face Elina Svitolina.

Sabalenka now has a short window to regroup before turning her attention fully towards New York and her US Open title defence.