Noskova crashes out as Rybakina, Pegula, Gauff, and Andreeva advance at Canadian Open

The Canadian Open witnessed a significant upset as Czech player Linda Noskova, the recent Wimbledon champion, was defeated in her opening match by American qualifier Caty McNally. Noskova, the sixth seed, squandered a commanding 5-1 lead in the first set, ultimately losing it in a tiebreak before falling 7-6 (5), 6-1 in a surprising turn of events.

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It wasn't my best performance, but I'm happy I managed to win.

Despite the early exit of a top contender, several other high-profile players advanced. World number two Elena Rybakina battled for over two and a half hours to overcome Daria Kasatkina 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, acknowledging issues with her serve despite the win. Third seed Jessica Pegula also staged a comeback, defeating Magdalena Frech 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 after a challenging match.

Coco Gauff, the fourth seed, secured her spot in the next round by defeating compatriot Kayla Day 6-2, 7-5. Gauff admitted to not feeling at her peak physical condition, focusing on building towards the US Open. Meanwhile, fifth seed Mirra Andreeva, the reigning French Open champion, delivered a dominant performance, crushing former world number one Karolina Pliskova 6-0, 6-2 in under an hour.

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I'm very proud of myself. It was a bit of a mental and physical battle because of the heat.

Other notable players advancing included Naomi Osaka and Alexandra Eala, who defeated Alycia Parks in a three-set match. The tournament continues with several strong contenders still in the mix, despite the early departure of Noskova.

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The goal is to reach my best level at the US Open, so I knew that maybe this first week I wouldn't feel 100 percent.