Canadian hopes were dashed at the National Bank Open as Leylah Fernandez fell to Naomi Osaka in the fourth round. Fernandez, the 30th seed, lost 6-4, 6-4 to Osaka, the 11th seed from Japan. Meanwhile, Belinda Bencic of Switzerland defeated Alexandra Eala, ending the breakout star’s run from the Philippines.
Fernandez was broken at crucial moments in both sets, allowing Osaka to secure the victory with her sixth ace. Despite a strong performance in the earlier rounds, Fernandez acknowledged that small decisions impacted the outcome of the match.
The defeat marked Osaka’s first WTA 1000 quarterfinal appearance since last year. On the other hand, Eala, fresh off her first WTA crown in Washington, saw her seven-match win streak come to an end.
In the men’s singles draw, Ben Shelton overpowered Joao Fonseca to advance to the quarterfinals. Shelton rallied from an early break in both sets to secure a 6-3, 7-6 (3) victory. The American, aiming to defend his title, showcased his strong serves and determination in the match.
Shelton’s next opponent will be Jakub Mensik, setting the stage for an exciting quarterfinal clash. The tournament saw several upsets and swift exits, with Shelton emerging as one of the top contenders in the absence of some key players.
The National Bank Open continues to witness a mix of young talent and experienced players vying for the prestigious title. As the competition heats up, fans can expect more thrilling matches in the upcoming rounds.