Elina Svitolina faced a significant match against a Russian opponent where the stakes were high. Despite losing the first set, the Ukrainian tennis star fought back, eventually defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 at the National Bank Open quarterfinals. Svitolina, seeded No. 9 and the 2017 tournament champion, overcame a challenging start to secure a spot in the semifinals at Sobeys Stadium.

In the upcoming match, Svitolina will compete against Iga Swiatek, the No. 7 seed who defeated Diana Shnaider of Russia 6-2, 6-1 to advance. Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam winner, expressed confidence in her current form, citing improved focus and execution on the court.

The remaining women’s singles quarterfinal matches are set for Tuesday, featuring top seeds like Elena Rybakina and Naomi Osaka. Svitolina acknowledged the immense support from the crowd, especially from the Ukrainian community in Toronto, amidst the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Svitolina’s resilience was evident as she rallied after a shaky start, securing crucial break points to clinch the match. Having already defeated Swiatek twice this season, Svitolina emphasized the importance of physicality and long rallies in their upcoming encounter.

Swiatek, on the other hand, displayed a dominant performance in her quarterfinal match against Shnaider, securing a semifinal spot in just 64 minutes. She commended her adaptability to challenging conditions, including windy weather during the tournament.

In doubles competition, Canadians Duncan Chan and Alexis Galarneau saw their impressive run end with a quarterfinal loss to Mate Pavic and Marcelo Arevalo. The Croatian-El Salvadoran duo’s stellar service game proved decisive, setting up a semifinal clash against other contenders.

Despite the defeat, Chan and Galarneau’s journey included notable victories over formidable opponents, showcasing their potential in the doubles category. The men’s National Bank Open also featured exciting singles quarterfinal matchups, highlighting the diverse talent on display at the tournament.