Sabalenka and Norrie exit Canadian Open in last 16

World number one Aryna Sabalenka's dominant season hit a significant stumbling block at the Canadian Open in Toronto, where the Belarusian star crashed out in the last 16 round. Sabalenka, who had won 17 of her previous 20 matches heading into the hardcourt tournament, suffered an unexpected defeat that marks her earliest exit from a Masters 1000 event in 2024. The reigning Australian Open champion's loss sends shockwaves through the women's draw, as she had been widely favored to contend for the title after capturing multiple victories across the North American swing.

Sabalenka's departure from Toronto follows Britain's Cameron Norrie also bowing out in the fourth round, continuing a challenging stretch for the British number two. Norrie, ranked 19th globally, has struggled to maintain consistency at the highest level despite his career-best ranking of number nine achieved in 2022. The Canadian Open represents one of the sport's most competitive events, attracting top-seeded players seeking crucial ranking points before the US Open hard-court season intensifies. This year's tournament has demonstrated the unpredictability of Grand Slam preparation events, where momentum can shift rapidly and unexpected challengers emerge from lower-seeded positions.

The losses of both Sabalenka and Norrie reshape the tournament's landscape heading into the quarterfinal stages. Sabalenka will have limited opportunities to defend her ranking advantage before the US Open begins in late August, where she holds a 73.8% first-round winning percentage. Norrie faces mounting pressure to reclaim form and secure seeding positions for autumn tournaments as he attempts to climb back toward the world's elite. Both players must reassess their preparations and strategies as the calendar turns toward Flushing Meadows, where major ranking implications await.