Boulter to Face Sabalenka in Toronto

British tennis player Katie Boulter has moved into the third round of the National Bank Open in Toronto following an unexpected retirement from her opponent, Beatriz Haddad Maia. The Brazilian player, who had just completed a grueling first-round match against Marie Bouzkova that lasted over three hours, struggled with a back issue during her match against Boulter. After calling for medical assistance early in the match, Haddad Maia attempted to continue but ultimately conceded after Boulter leveled the first set at 1-1. Boulter, currently ranked as the British number one, had previously secured her spot in the second round by defeating Bernarda Pera. Her victory over Haddad Maia sets up a challenging third-round encounter against Aryna Sabalenka, the Australian Open champion and tournament's second seed. Sabalenka began her campaign in Toronto with a decisive 6-2, 6-2 win over China's Yuan Yue, marking her return to competitive play after missing both Wimbledon and the Olympics due to a shoulder injury. The match highlighted the physical demands of the sport, particularly for players like Haddad Maia, who faced the repercussions of an exhausting first-round battle. Boulter's progression in the tournament reflects her growing prowess on the court as she prepares to face one of the top competitors in women's tennis. The upcoming match against Sabalenka promises to be a significant test for Boulter as she aims to continue her successful run in the tournament.