Aryna Sabalenka handed unlikely boost despite early Canadian Open exit

Aryna Sabalenka suffered an early exit from the Canadian Open as she suffered defeat to Ekaterina Alexandrova across three sets at the round of 16 stage.

The 28-year-old lost 7-6, 4-6, and 6-4 to the world no. 11 as her strange 2026 season continued, which has seen her suffer several early exits.

Despite claiming three WTA titles this year, Sabalenka has exited before the semi-final stage at major events like Wimbledon, the Italian Open, the Madrid Open, and Roland Garros.

This early exit at the Canadian Open is just the latest in what will be a frustrating season for the Belarusian star as she aims to defend her US Open crown, in what would be her only Grand Slam victory of the year.

Sabalenka’s defeat at this stage of the Canadian Open will not be seen by the tennis star as the perfect preparation as she looks to make it three consecutive titles at Flushing Meadows later this month.

However, she may be able to take one positive following her early exit from the competition in Toronto, with that being the fact that she will still be no. 1 after this Canadian Open.

Aryna Sabalenka

Elena Rybakina, who is now favourite to win the Canadian Open following the elimination of Sabalenka, is closest to the Belarusian as the world No. 2, but even if she were to claim the title, she would not climb higher in the world rankings.

Should Rybakina secure the Canadian Open title, then she would be just four points behind Sabalenka in the WTA Tour rankings.

Sabalenka will be aiming to ensure that she does not lose her place at the top of player rankings, as should both stars’ trajectories continue, Rybakina will have a major chance to become the world No. 1 on the WTA Tour for the first time in her career.

Currently, only Coco Gauff, Elina Svitolina, Iga Swiatek, and Rybakina are still battling for the Canadian Open title, who are currently in the top ten of the WTA Tour rankings, so it could be a very close run thing for the world no. 1 spot heading into the Cincinnati Open.