The 2026 Toronto WTA 1000 started with a performance that confirmed Aryna Sabalenka as the overwhelming favorite. She defeated Japan's Moyuka Uchijima 6-3, 6-3 in one hour and 21 minutes. Moving into the third round with the kind of efficiency that makes it hard to see a challenger.
Uchijima had no answers
Uchijima, ranked well outside the top 100, had already secured a win in the first round. But against Sabalenka, her best was not enough. The Belarusian’s serve and backhand proved too much to handle, especially in the key moments.
Sabalenka didn’t take any chances. In both sets, she controlled the momentum, preventing Uchijima from building a comeback. That’s what happens when you’re two levels above your opponent — you don’t have to raise your game, you just play it.
Next hurdle: Zhang
In the third round, Sabalenka will face Shuai Zhang, who advanced after Jelena Ostapenko retired at 6-0, 4-0. Zhang’s next match won’t be easy, but she’ll have a fresh set of legs and a short turnaround after Ostapenko’s exit.
Sabalenka, who has already won WTA 1000 titles in Indian Wells and Miami in 2026, is using this tournament as part of her hard-court buildup for the US Open. Her performance in Toronto could do more than just win a title. It could shape how the rest of the season unfolds.