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Aryna Sabalenka’s misfiring form continues in Canadian Open shock The world No 1 has only reached one semi-final in her last six tournaments and has not won a title since March - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Aryna Sabalenka was knocked out of the Canadian Open by Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova as the world No 1 suffered an early setback ahead of her US Open defence. Sabalenka was beaten 7-6(3) 4-6 6-4 in the fourth round in Toronto with Alexandrova prevailing after nearly two and a half hours to reach the quarter-finals. The Belarusian was playing in her first tournament since Wimbledon, where the four-time grand slam champion suffered a fourth-round defeat to Naomi Osaka. Sabalenka has not won a tournament since winning Indian Wells and the Miami Open back-to-back in March, and has only reached one semi-final in her last six tournaments. Before the US Open, Sabalenka faces the same situation as last season where she arrived in New York as the world No 1 but without a winning grand slam title this year. Sabalenka defeated Amanda Anisimova in last year’s final to win her second US Open but her form 12 months on is more of a concern. The US Open starts later this month. Alexandrova will face Ukraine's Elina Svitolina, who defeated American eighth seed Anisimova 6-2 6-4, for a place in the semi-finals. Elsewhere, Iga Swiatek rallied from a set down and overcame struggles with her serve to defeat Marta Kostyuk 3-6 6-1 6-2. Third seed Jessica Pegula, who was last week’s Washington finalist, lost 6-3 6-3 to Russia’s Diani Schnaider, who will next face Swiatek. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments