The courts of Montreal’s IGA Stadium buzzed with disbelief on Friday, August 1, 2025, as Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova delivered a stunning upset, ousting two-time defending champion Jessica Pegula in the third round of the Canadian Open. The 35-year-old tennis mom, ranked world No. 386, battled back from a set down to triumph 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, halting Pegula’s bid for a historic three-peat. Sevastova’s improbable victory, her first over a top-10 player since 2018, showcased her resilience and tactical brilliance, leaving the tennis world in awe. “I just tried to stay in the match and fight for every point,” Sevastova said, reflecting on her gritty performance.
Pegula, the world No. 4 and third seed, entered the match as the overwhelming favorite, riding an 11-match winning streak at the National Bank Open. Having clinched titles in Montreal in 2023 and Toronto in 2024, she aimed to become the first woman since Monica Seles to win three consecutive Canadian Opens. Her 2025 season had been stellar, with titles in Austin, Charleston, and Bad Homburg, and a US Open final appearance. Fresh off a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 win over Maria Sakkari, Pegula started strong, breaking Sevastova early to claim the first set in just 34 minutes. Her baseline consistency and 61% first-serve accuracy seemed poised to carry her forward.
But Sevastova, a former world No. 11, had other plans. Returning to the tour in 2024 after maternity leave and a career paused by injuries, she arrived in Montreal with a modest 7-7 record. Her journey included a quarterfinal in Rabat but little success on hard courts—until now. After upsetting 25th seed Magda Linette 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 and Ajla Tomljanovic in earlier rounds, Sevastova found her rhythm against Pegula. “I knew it would be tough, but I just kept believing,” she said, her voice tinged with emotion. In the second set, she unleashed her signature variety—slice backhands, short angles, and deft drop shots—disrupting Pegula’s tempo. Breaking at 5-4, Sevastova leveled the match, igniting the crowd.
The decider was a masterclass in counterpunching. Sevastova pounced on Pegula’s faltering serve, which produced five double faults, and broke twice to surge to a 4-0 lead. Pegula, visibly frustrated, couldn’t recapture her early dominance, managing just one game as Sevastova closed out the 1-hour, 56-minute clash. “She played so smart, mixing it up, and I couldn’t find answers,” Pegula admitted graciously, acknowledging Sevastova’s tactical edge. The Latvian’s 75% break-point conversion rate and 22 winners underscored her command in the final stages.
This victory marks a high point in Sevastova’s remarkable comeback. A US Open semifinalist in 2018, she retired in 2020 due to injuries and welcomed her first child in 2022. Her return has been fraught with challenges, but moments like this affirm her staying power. “It’s special to compete at this level again, especially against someone like Jess,” Sevastova said, her smile radiating pride. She now faces Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion who dispatched Jelena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-4, in the round of 16. Their head-to-head is tied at 1-1, promising a thrilling clash.
For Pegula, the loss stings, ending her 18-3 Canadian Open record and her quest for a 10th WTA singles title. “I’m disappointed, but I’ll regroup for Cincinnati,” she said, already eyeing the next challenge. Montreal, meanwhile, celebrates Sevastova’s Cinderella story—a testament to perseverance that has redefined the tournament’s narrative. As the WTA 1000 event heads toward its August 7 final, Sevastova’s upset ensures the crown will find a new queen, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
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