Top-seeded Coco Gauff suffered a surprising defeat at the National Bank Open, losing 6-4, 6-1 to 14th-seeded Diana Shnaider in challenging windy conditions at Sobeys Stadium. Gauff, who is preparing for her U.S. Open title defense, faced a tough match as she was broken while trailing 5-4 in the first set. The 20-year-old American also struggled in the second set, committing a crucial double fault when down 2-1, allowing Shnaider to take a commanding 4-1 lead.
Shnaider, also 20 years old, capitalized on Gauff's errors and secured the victory with another break, setting up a quarterfinal clash against No. 6 Liudmila Samsonova, who defeated Elise Mertens 6-2, 6-4 in her match.
In other matches, defending champion Jessica Pegula overcame qualifier Ashlyn Krueger 6-2, 6-4, taking advantage of Krueger's nine double faults. Pegula, hailing from nearby Buffalo, New York, will now face Peyton Stearns in the quarterfinals after No. 12 Victoria Azarenka retired due to a thigh injury.
Meanwhile, Taylor Townsend stunned fourth-seeded Jelena Ostapenko with a dominant 6-2, 6-1 victory, while No. 8 Emma Navarro defeated No. 11 Marta Kostyuk 7-5, 7-5 to advance to the quarterfinals.
Amanda Anisimova also progressed after No. 10 Anna Kalinskaya retired due to dizziness, with Anisimova winning the first set 6-2.
The Toronto Open continues to showcase intense competition and unexpected outcomes, setting the stage for thrilling matchups in the upcoming rounds.
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