Sabalenka’s Title Drought Deepens After Canadian Open Exit
A fourth-round loss to Ekaterina Alexandrova extends the Belarusian’s winless streak to six tournaments, raising questions about her readiness to defend her Flushing Meadows crown.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka’s campaign at the Canadian Open concluded in the fourth round on Saturday, as she was defeated by 16th-seeded Ekaterina Alexandrova. The match, held at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto, ended with a scoreline of 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-4, halting Sabalenka’s progress at the National Bank Open.
The defeat extends Sabalenka’s title drought to six consecutive tournaments. Her last victory occurred at the Miami Open in March 2026, a period that has also seen her reach the final of the Australian Open and the semifinals of Wimbledon earlier in the 2026 season. Prior to this loss, Sabalenka had begun her Toronto run strongly, securing straight-set victories against Moyuka Uchijima and Zhang Shuai.
The result levels the head-to-head record between the two players at 5-5. Alexandrova advances to the quarterfinals, where she is scheduled to face Elina Svitolina. The loss marks a significant shift in momentum for the world’s top-ranked player, who entered the tournament as the reigning champion of the US Open.
Sabalenka’s previous success at Flushing Meadows included a 2025 title win against Amanda Anisimova, securing her second consecutive championship at the venue. However, the current form dip has prompted immediate speculation regarding her ability to defend that title. The gap between her early-season dominance and her recent performances has become a focal point for observers.
Social media reaction has been swift, with fans on platforms such as Reddit expressing concern over her prospects. One user noted, “Sabalenka is not defending USO like this,” highlighting the disparity between her current standing and her previous US Open success. The sentiment reflects a broader anxiety among supporters about her readiness for the upcoming Grand Slam event.
While the specific nature of Sabalenka’s performance issues remains unconfirmed, the timing of this exit poses a strategic challenge. With the US Open approaching, the six-tournament winless streak serves as a stark indicator of the adjustments required. Alexandrova’s victory underscores the competitive depth of the field as Sabalenka prepares for the next phase of the season.
