Osaka and Pliskova remain in battle for no.1 spot

3rd round of Rogers Cup in Toronto did not bring any surprise so after current world no.1 Barty lost in 2nd round, the battle for the top spot started again

Ashleigh Barty did not confirm her previous form from Roland Garros, Birmingham and Wimbledon and was out of Rogers Cup already after her first match. The Australian helped duo Pliskova, Osaka with her bad performances and so spot number one freed up again.

In the 3rd round, Pliskova was first to fight for her place in the next round against Anett Kontaveit. Pliskova confirmed the position of favourite and advanced to the quarter-finals smoothly 6-3, 7-5 in 1 hour and 20 minutes. The last one to play on the centre court in Toronto tonight was Osaka who played young and talented Iga Swiatek. Osaka stayed on the court a little longer than her opponent for world no.1 spot, but eventually, she beat her Polish opponent in 2 sets 7-6(4), 6-4.

Picture: Proshots

Both players will be facing very quality opponents in their quarter-finals matches. Karolina will be facing home crowd favourite Andreescu, who returned after injury and scares the opponents with her 6-0 record vs. TOP 5 players. On the other hand, Osaka will be facing Serena Williams, one of the most successful tennis players in the history of woman's tennis. Osaka played experienced American twice and managed to win on both occasions. If both no.1 spot contenders fight their ways to the finals, we won't see just a battle for Rogers Cup title, but also the battle for a spot of new world number 1.