TORONTO — In one of the biggest upsets of the 2024 tennis season, world No. 4 Jessica Pegula suffered a shocking defeat to Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova, ranked No. 386, in the second round of the Canadian Open. The 6-4, 6-4 loss stunned fans and analysts alike, marking one of the most unexpected results in recent WTA Tour history.
Pegula, the tournament’s second seed and a consistent force in women’s tennis, entered the match as a heavy favorite. However, Sevastova, a former top-20 player making a comeback after a brief retirement, delivered a masterclass in precision and composure. The Latvian veteran capitalized on Pegula’s uncharacteristic errors, securing her first top-5 win since 2018.
A Stunning Performance by Sevastova
Sevastova, who returned to professional tennis earlier this year after stepping away in 2022, showcased her signature variety and tactical intelligence. She mixed slices, drop shots, and deep groundstrokes to keep Pegula off balance. "I just tried to stay calm and play my game," Sevastova said in her post-match interview. "I knew if I could keep the rallies unpredictable, I’d have a chance."
Pegula, known for her consistency and aggressive baseline play, struggled to find her rhythm. She committed 32 unforced errors, including several crucial double faults at key moments. "I didn’t execute well today," Pegula admitted. "Credit to her—she played smart and took advantage of my mistakes."
Key Factors Behind the Upset
Several elements contributed to Pegula’s surprising defeat:
- Sevastova’s Tactical Brilliance: The Latvian’s ability to disrupt Pegula’s rhythm with changes of pace and spin proved decisive.
- Pegula’s Unforced Errors: The American’s unusually high error count, particularly on her forehand side, handed Sevastova crucial points.
- Mental Resilience: Sevastova, despite her lower ranking, displayed veteran composure in pressure moments, saving 5 of 6 break points.
A Career Resurgence for Sevastova?
Sevastova’s victory marks a potential turning point in her comeback. Once ranked as high as No. 11 in the world, she retired in 2022 citing burnout but returned this season with renewed motivation. "I missed the competition," she said. "This win means a lot—it shows I can still compete at the highest level."
Reactions from the Tennis World
The upset sent shockwaves across social media, with fellow players and analysts weighing in. Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick tweeted, "This is why we love sports. No rankings, no predictions—just pure competition. Huge respect to Sevastova."
Pegula’s early exit also reshapes the Canadian Open draw, leaving top seed Iga Świątek as the clear favorite. Meanwhile, Sevastova advances to face No. 27 seed Anhelina Kalinina in the third round.
What’s Next for Pegula?
Pegula, a five-time WTA title winner, will now shift her focus to the upcoming Cincinnati Open and the US Open. "I’ll take the lessons from this and move forward," she said. "Every loss is a chance to improve."
For Sevastova, the victory is a reminder of her capabilities. "I’m just enjoying the moment," she smiled. "Who knows what’s next?"
The Canadian Open continues to deliver drama, proving once again that in tennis, rankings don’t always tell the full story.