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The WTA 1000 in Toronto spoke clearly on Thursday: the favorites have no intention of stopping along the way. Facing opponents who were far from pushovers, the top three seeds secured their spots in the round of 16 with an authority that says a lot about their current form.
Aryna Sabalenka, defending champion and world number one, dismissed China's Zhang Shuai in two sets (6-3, 6-4). A score that only half reflects the match's dynamics. Zhang, ranked 62nd, never really threatened the Belarusian's serve, whose forehand power made the difference in key moments. The world number one extends her winning streak to thirteen consecutive victories on hard courts. She hasn't lost on this surface since the start of the American season. A statistic that places the Belarusian in form comparable to her 2024 campaign, when she swept the Australian Open and then the US Open in quick succession.
Aryna Sabalenka, defending champion and world number one, dismissed China's Zhang Shuai in two sets (6-3, 6-4).
Swiatek, a smooth return
Iga Swiatek didn't waste any time either. The Pole, eighth seed after a season that was lackluster on the points front, showed she remains a formidable opponent on Canadian hard courts. She first dismantled Czech Sara Bejlek 6-0, 6-3 in the second round before following up against Viktorija Golubic. A winning return to Toronto for someone who hadn't won a match there in four years.
Her tennis is regaining its colors at the right time. The Pole varied her targets, alternating slices and down-the-line accelerations with an ease that recalls her best version. The timing on her forehand, her signature weapon, seems finally recalibrated after several weeks of erratic adjustments on clay. If she maintains this level, no one will want to cross her path in the quarterfinals.
Pegula, consistency personified
Jessica Pegula, world number three, also held her ground without flinching. The American, last year's finalist, perfectly masters the Toronto conditions. Her ability to absorb opponents' shots and counter-attack at the right tempo makes her a very serious candidate to succeed herself in the final. She too hasn't dropped a single set in her first two matches.
Facing Yulia Putintseva, a player capable of unsettling the best with her all-court defense, Pegula never let doubt creep in. An early break in each set, impeccable serving in crucial moments: the script of absolute control confirms that the American approaches this North American swing with confidence.
And also...
Ukraine's Elina Svitolina delivered the most expeditious performance of the day, sweeping Anastasia Potapova 6-1, 6-1. A display that confirms the former world number three, after her maternity leave and months of physical rebuilding, is gradually rediscovering the legs that once allowed her to shine in Grand Slams. Amanda Anisimova and Marta Kostyuk complete the list of qualifiers for the round of 16 without having to dig deep into their reserves.
The rest of the draw
The Toronto draw is becoming increasingly clear as surprises fade away. The gap between the top 10 and the rest of the rankings is widening on this fast surface where the first strike carries weight. The round of 16 will feature contrasting profiles: pure power, surgical counter-attacks, and a few young players with nothing to lose.
With three of the world's top five still in contention after just three rounds, the Canadian tournament is living up to its promises. It remains to be seen whether the hierarchy will hold until the weekend, or if an outsider will shake up the favorites' certainties. Sabalenka, who is defending not only her title but also her world number one ranking, knows that each round passed is one step closer to a double that would further strengthen her grip on the tour.