Sabalenka Defeats Uchijima in WTA Toronto Opener

Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka made a victorious return to hard courts on Tuesday, defeating Japanese qualifier Moyuka Uchijima 6-3, 6-3 in her opening match at the WTA 1000 in Toronto.

Rebound-focused after early exits at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, the world number one secured her 24th hard-court win in 25 matches this year as she prepares for the upcoming US Open.

“I’m happy with the performance, I’m happy with the fight,” Sabalenka said after the match, adding, “I’m happy that mentally and physically I was ready to go.” She advances to face China’s Zhang Shuai in the third round.

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Former world number one Iga Swiatek also launched her North American hard-court campaign with a 6-0, 6-3 victory over Czech player Sara Bejlek.

Swiatek dominated early before surviving a gruelling 22-minute game in the second set where she saved nine break points.

Sabalenka defeats Uchijima in WTA Toronto opener (News Central TV) — Sabalenka defeats Uchijima in the WTA Toronto opener. Credit: Reuters

“I’m happy that I stayed in the game and stayed solid because I felt at the end it got pretty physical,” Swiatek noted.

Elsewhere in the tournament draw, ninth seed Elina Svitolina fought back from a set down to defeat Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, while tenth-seed Marta Kostyuk overcame a 4-1 first-set deficit to eliminate the Canadian wild card, Katherine Sebov.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.