Elena
Rybakina defeated Sloane Stephens in two sets by 6-3, 6-3 to secure a place among the top
eight at the National Bank Open Montreal.
Rybakina
began this week her first tournament since Wimbledon, where she couldn't defend
her title and fell in the quarterfinals against Ons Jabeur.
As the
third seed, she had a bye and advanced directly to the second round, where she
faced American Jennifer Brady, who recently returned to the WTA tour after two
years and put up a great fight. However, Rybakina ultimately emerged victorious
in the match, winning 6-7(3), 7-6(5), 6-3.
Stephens
defeated Ukrainian Anhelina Kalinina in the first round and was set to face
former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka in the second round. Unfortunately,
Azarenka had to withdraw minutes before the match due to an injury.
Read also
The Kazakh
secured the first break of the match in just the second game, but Stephens
immediately responded with a break. Despite Stephens' strong start and some
winners, Rybakina managed to secure another break in the sixth game, which
proved decisive in winning the set 6-3.
Both
players had a shaky start in the second set, with both losing their serves.
Stephens gained confidence and kept the match even until 3-3, but an erratic
service game allowed Rybakina to break to love, which mentally took Stephens
out of the match.
Another
break at 5-3 allowed Rybakina to reach another quarterfinals of a WTA 1000 event, for the first time in Canada.
Despite the
outcome, Rybakina had only a 49% first serve percentage, but she won 71% of
those points and 60% on second serve. Stephens managed a 57% first serve
percentage, but her performance was not as strong as her opponent's, winning
59% on first serve and only 36% of points on the second serve.
In the
quarterfinals, Rybakina will face Russian 10th seed Daria Kasatkina, who is in
good form with comfortable wins over Elise Mertens, Anna Blinkova, and Marie
Bouzkova.
Rybakina
and Kasatkina have faced each other three times, with two victories for the
Russian and one for the former Wimbledon champion. Their last encounter was at
the 2022 Stanford Open, Rybakina's first match as a Grand Slam champion, but
Kasatkina turned the match around to win 1-6, 6-2, 6-0.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
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- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
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- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
