Arina Sabalenka was able to win in Montreal in the first round seed’s opening

First-seeded Arina Sabalenka scored 18 aces on Wednesday to reach the third round of the WTA hardcourt tournament in Montreal.

The world number three from Belarus defeated 2018 finalist Sloane Stephens 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 6-4 in two and a half hours.

Perseverance 💪

A topsy-turvy match point to close out a thrilling match already! @SabalenkaA takes it in three 👏 #OBN21 pic.twitter.com/auXq84QUbO

— wta (@WTA) August 11, 2021

The Wimbledon semi-finalist had to overcome 11 aces from Stephens but broke the American’s serve six times to secure the victory.Sabalenka, winner of two titles this season, improved her 2021 record to 36-12.

Greek Maria Sakkari defeated 33rd-ranked Veronika Kudermetova 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 after nearly two and three-quarter hours.

WHAT A BATTLE 💪

🇬🇷 @mariasakkari fights on defeating Kudermetova in just under three hours ! #OBN21 pic.twitter.com/QVZsHrkaVL

— wta (@WTA) August 11, 2021

Canada’s number 220 Rebecca Marino, who quit the sport for five years from 2013 in the interest of her mental health, continued to impress at home.

The 30-year-old from Vancouver defeated Spain’s Paula Badosa in a 1-6, 7-5, 6-4 fightback.

🇨🇦 Canadian Comeback Complete 🇨🇦 ✔️

🇨🇦 @beccamarino90 d. Badosa in a thrilling three set match! #OBN21 pic.twitter.com/G4xlnUfXyw

— wta (@WTA) August 11, 2021