The Canadian Masters continues to unfold amid surprise results and early exits for several top players. This week, focus centers on the performance shifts seen in Toronto and Montreal, where a number of seed players faced setbacks and withdrawals impacted the draw.
Paula Badosa, who entered Toronto as a high seed, withdrew from her round in the second set after struggling with a cramp. The match had already swung against her in the opening frame, leaving her unable to continue as the clock moved forward. The episode underscored the tension athletes face when pacing and physical limits intersect at this level of competition.
The Canadian Masters, ranked among the world’s premier WTA 1000 events, has seen a mix of results as players adapt to the demanding schedule. Badosa’s exit came after a first-set contest that finished 7-5, and it highlighted how quickly momentum can shift when cramping disrupts rhythm early in a match.
On the same stages, Sara Sorribes Tormo, who reached the quarterfinals in recent weeks, faced a tough challenge against Aryna Sabalenka. The Belarusian, ranked sixth globally, showed resilience with a pair of straight-set wins, finishing 6-4 and 6-3 in a match that lasted under two hours.
Sorribes Tormo had previously defeated Claire Liu in the early rounds, but the American challenger found Sabalenka’s serve challenging to neutralize for the full three sets, with scores reading 7-6(4), 6-2, and 7-6(5) in contested exchanges. The Canadian terrain favored aggressive serving and steady baseline work, but Liu could not sustain the pace against a relentless Sabalenka.
The event also features a broader narrative around players who persevere through tough draws and weather the early losses. The Toronto results continue to shape the field as the season reaches its midsection, with expectations building for the upcoming rounds and the next opportunities to rebound.
In another key development, Nadal confirmed that he will return to the Masters 1000 circuit at Cincinnati, signaling his intent to compete at high-profile events across North America. The confirmation adds a familiar presence to the tour as players recalibrate after the European swing.
Sabalenka’s performance this week illustrated the high bar set by the top seeds. She registered multiple service winners, though she also tallied several double faults, a reminder that even the strongest players can encounter fluctuations in serve reliability during intense matches. Her first-serve percentage contrasted with Sorribes Tormo’s defensive pressure, highlighting the ongoing duel between power and consistency on hard courts.
With Badosa and Sorribes Tormo eliminated, the Spanish representation in Toronto shifted to Garbiñe Muguruza, who prepared for her own test on Wednesday night against Estonian veteran Kaia Kanepi. The draw in Canada remains lively, with several veterans and rising stars looking to capitalize on every opportunity to advance.
Earlier, Cristina Bucsa’s campaign ended on Tuesday after a straight-sets loss to Shuai Zhang, and Serena Williams continued to add to her competitive narrative by defeating Nuria Párrizas Díaz in a straight-set win in the earlier round. The Toronto audience has witnessed a blend of emerging talent and established names, creating a dynamic storyline for fans and analysts alike.
As the tournament progresses, players will be aiming to balance physical conditioning with strategic adjustments. The Canadian Masters will likely continue to deliver moments of high drama, where seeding, form, and endurance intersect in the pursuit of valuable ranking points and a coveted title on North American hard courts.