What's Happening?
Jessica Pegula, the two-time defending champion, was unexpectedly defeated by Anastasija Sevastova in the third round of the National Bank Open in Montreal. Pegula, ranked fourth in the world, lost 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 to Sevastova, who is currently ranked 386th. Sevastova, a 35-year-old Latvian player, broke Pegula's serve six times out of ten opportunities. This marks a significant victory for Sevastova, who has struggled with injuries and has played only 24 WTA Tour-level matches in the past four years. Pegula's loss continues a challenging period for her, following early exits at Wimbledon and the D.C. Open.
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Why It's Important?
The upset of Jessica Pegula by Anastasija Sevastova highlights the unpredictable nature of tennis, where rankings do not always dictate outcomes. Pegula's defeat could impact her confidence and performance in upcoming tournaments, while Sevastova's victory may boost her morale and ranking. This match also underscores the resilience of players like Sevastova, who overcome injuries to compete at high levels. The result may influence the dynamics of the tournament, affecting the strategies and preparations of other top players, including Naomi Osaka, who is set to face Sevastova next.
What's Next?
Anastasija Sevastova will advance to face Naomi Osaka in the fourth round. Osaka, a former world No. 1, is playing her first tournament with a new coach and has shown strong performance, defeating Jelena Ostapenko. The upcoming match between Sevastova and Osaka will be closely watched, as both players aim to progress further in the tournament. For Pegula, the focus will likely shift to regrouping and preparing for future competitions, addressing the issues that have led to her recent early exits.
