Top-Seeded Coco Gauff Upset in National Bank Open by Diana Shnaider

Top-seeded Coco Gauff exited the National Bank Open after losing 6-4, 6-1 to 14th-seeded Diana Shnaider. Gauff, preparing for her U.S. Open title defense, struggled with timing and unforced errors. Shnaider's victory sets her up for a quarterfinal match against Liudmila Samsonova. Other notable wins included Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, and Amanda Anisimova.

Top-seeded Coco Gauff tumbled out of the National Bank Open on Friday, losing 6-4, 6-1 to 14th-seeded Diana Shnaider amid windy conditions at Sobeys Stadium. Preparing for her U.S. Open title defense, Gauff was broken trailing 5-4 in the first set, then double-faulted down 2-1 in the second set as Shnaider held serve to go up 4-1.

"I just wasn't finding my timing well," said Gauff, the world's No. 2-ranked player. "I had numerous unforced errors and double faults. She played steadily and didn't give me any free points." Gauff was playing her first hard-court event since April.

Shnaider, also 20, sealed her victory with another break to set up a quarterfinal match against No. 6 seed Liudmila Samsonova, who defeated Elise Mertens 6-2, 6-4. "I know Coco is physically prepared and covers the court well," Shnaider said.

Other highlights include No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka's 6-3, 6-3 win over Katie Boulter, defending champion Jessica Pegula's 6-2, 6-4 victory over qualifier Ashlyn Krueger, and third-seeded Pegula's upcoming match against Peyton Stearns. Taylor Townsend, Emma Navarro, and Amanda Anisimova also advanced to the quarterfinals.

(With inputs from agencies.)