The National Bank Open in Montreal delivered stunning upsets and spirited performances on Friday, as two-time defending champion Jessica Pegula was ousted in a dramatic three-set encounter, while Naomi Osaka impressed with a straight-sets victory to reach the fourth round.
Jessica Pegula’s Surprising Exit
Jessica Pegula entered Montreal as the two-time reigning champion and a top-5 player, riding an 11-match Canadian winning streak. Few expected her to exit so soon, least of all in the third round. Facing Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova, Pegula started strong, taking the first set 6-3. But momentum shifted quickly.
Sevastova’s Resurgence
- Sevastova, once ranked 11th in the world but now outside the top 350 due to injury, showed her classic grit and resilience.
- The 35-year-old Latvian fought back from a set down, breaking Pegula six times over the course of the match.
- She closed out the match in style, winning 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 and snapping Pegula’s Canadian win streak.
Pegula’s loss highlights a rough summer for her. After a strong start against Maria Sakkari in the earlier round, she now adds this defeat to first-round eliminations at both Wimbledon and the D.C. Open in July.
“Somehow, I was down 2-0 in the second set and started to play better and better,” Sevastova said after her win. “Third set, I played really good. Just trying to stay on the court as long as possible.”
Naomi Osaka Advances with Authority
While Pegula suffered, Naomi Osaka delighted Montreal fans with a commanding performance. The four-time Grand Slam champion swept past Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko, the 22nd seed, 6-2, 6-4, earning her a spot in the last 16.
Osaka’s Masterclass
- Osaka fired five aces.
- She converted six of nine break points.
- The match lasted just 72 minutes, showcasing her dominant form.
Her win sets up an intriguing next round clash against Anastasija Sevastova—fresh off her upset victory over Pegula.
What This Means for the Tournament
Pegula’s defeat blows the women’s draw wide open, removing a clear favorite and two-time champ. Sevastova, returning from injury via a protected ranking, suddenly finds herself in the spotlight, while Osaka is gaining momentum at just the right time.
Important takeaways:
- Open path for rising stars and returning veterans.
- Tournament now features multiple storylines, including Osaka’s resurgence and Sevastova’s Cinderella run.
- Top seeds like Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek still in contention, but the field is more unpredictable than ever.
Match Highlights in Bullet Points
- Jessica Pegula defeated 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 by Anastasija Sevastova.
- Pegula’s 11-match Canadian winning streak ends.
- Sevastova is the lowest-ranked player to beat a top-10 player at the National Bank Open since 2018.
- Naomi Osaka advances with a confident 6-2, 6-4 win over Ostapenko.
- Osaka lands five aces and breaks serve six times.
- Sevastova and Osaka to face each other next.
FAQs on Pegula’s Loss and Osaka’s Progress in Montreal
1. Who upset Jessica Pegula in Montreal 2025?
Anastasija Sevastova, a former top-20 Latvian player returning from injury, defeated Pegula in three sets during the third round of the National Bank Open.
2. How did Naomi Osaka perform in her recent Montreal match?
Naomi Osaka dominated 22nd seed Jelena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-4, firing five aces and converting six of nine break points to advance to the fourth round.
3. What’s next for Pegula after this loss?
Pegula’s Montreal exit continues a difficult stretch; she will look to rebound during the North American hard-court swing and at the upcoming US Open.
4. Who does Naomi Osaka play next in Montreal?
Osaka will meet Anastasija Sevastova, who just stunned Jessica Pegula, in the next round of the National Bank Open.
5. Which players remain favorites to win the Montreal tournament?
Major contenders include Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, and Naomi Osaka, each showcasing strong form and poised for deep runs.
Pegula’s early exit and Osaka’s authoritative advancement have reshaped the Montreal tournament, ensuring tennis fans will not want to miss the drama and talent on display in the upcoming rounds.
