Jean-Guy Fugère
She’d enchanted the crowds at IGA Stadium from day one, but Rebecca Marino was no match for the first seed at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers on Thursday morning.
Depleted by the efforts she devoted to her two previous matches, the Canadian was forced to admit that ousting heavy tournament favourite Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus was just too tall an order.
After some relatively unsuccessful attempts, the Canadian surrendered despite fans’ unwavering support. In the 59-minute match, she lost her serve four times and was unable to break Sabalenka, who pocketed 59 points versus 40 for Marino. The fairy tale had come to an end (6-1, 6-3).
On Friday, Sabalenka will compete in the quarterfinals against her countrywoman Victoria Azarenka, who has been playing her best tennis after a seemingly endless downturn. Against 11th seed Maria Sakkari of Greece, Vika battled until the bitter end and ultimately won 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(2).
Another day, another walkover for Coco Gauff! After a 5-0 win yesterday when Anastasia Potapova of Russia suffered an injury, the American was handed a free pass again today when Johanna Konta of Great Britain cancelled her scheduled appearance in the round of 16 due to a left knee injury.
After nearly three hours of brilliant tennis, Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain also booked her ticket for the quarters. She disposed of Katerina Siniakova of Czechia in three sets (6-7 (4), 6-0, 6-3).
In the doubles draw, Canadian Gabriela Dabrowski and her Brazilian partner Luisa Stefani defeated Emina Bektas of the US and Tara Moore of the UK in two sets (7-5, 6-2). The Canadian duo of Leylah Fernandez and Rebecca Marino lost to favourites Elise Mertens of Belgium and Aryna Sabalenka (7-6 (4), 6 -2).
