Caty McNally produced the standout result of the National Bank Open in Toronto, beating Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 to move into the next round.
In a WTA 1000 tournament where the established names have largely kept moving, McNally's win was a clear upset. Noskova had arrived in Toronto with the status that comes from being a Wimbledon champion, but McNally handled the pressure moments better and then pulled away convincingly in the second set.
McNally takes control after a tight opener
The first set was the key to the match. Noskova had enough to keep it close, but McNally found the edge in the tiebreak and converted that momentum into a much more comfortable second set.
A 7-6 (7/5), 6-1 scoreline tells the story well. This was not a one-sided contest from the start, but once McNally got through the opening set, she imposed herself and did not let Noskova back into the match.
Alex Eala awaits in the Round-of-32
McNally's reward is a Round-of-32 meeting with Alex Eala on Saturday. Eala booked her place by beating Alycia Parks 6-1, 4-6, 6-2, so the next match has already been set up by two players who have both shown they can handle different kinds of challenge.
Elsewhere in Toronto, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff also advanced to the third round. That keeps the wider draw moving along, but McNally's win is the result that stands out here because of the opponent and the manner of the victory.
For Noskova, it is a swift exit after entering the event with major expectations. For McNally, it is a statement win and a chance to build on it quickly against Eala.
