Cincinnati Open: Sabalenka, Keys, and Rybakina Advance
Aryna Sabalenka battles past Emma Raducanu in a thrilling three-set match at the Cincinnati Open, while other top seeds advance in the tournament.
Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka had a tough time overcoming Emma Raducanu in a thrilling three-set match, winning 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(5) to advance to the fourth round of the Cincinnati Open. Sabalenka, who finished with two aces in the closing stages, admitted she struggled at times, saying, “I'm happy to get through this difficult match. I just hope tomorrow is a day off. I need time to recover from such a great battle.” The three-hour epic battle showcased Sabalenka's determination and skill.
Sabalenka's Dominance
This win marks Sabalenka's 49th match victory of the season, further solidifying her lead in the WTA Tour match-win statistics. Despite Raducanu's strong showing, Sabalenka's experience and power ultimately gave her the edge. The two players have met twice before, with Sabalenka winning both encounters, including their most recent match at Wimbledon earlier this summer.
Respect between two wonderful competitors 🫶@SabalenkaA x @EmmaRaducanu | #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/UrImFhhYJ3
— wta (@WTA) August 11, 2025
The Match
The epic battle lasted three hours, with both players giving it their all. Raducanu pushed Sabalenka to her limits, taking the second set 6-4, but Sabalenka's determination and skill paid off in the end. With this win, Sabalenka advances to the fourth round of the Cincinnati Open, where she'll face another tough opponent.
Sabalenka's Winning Strategy
“It was all about momentum,” Sabalenka said, reflecting on her approach to the match. “I took some risks at the end, went for crazy shots, went to the net,” she added, highlighting her bold tactics that paid off in the end. Sabalenka's ability to adapt and take calculated risks ultimately gave her the edge she needed to overcome Raducanu's strong challenge.
Sabalenka's victory was marked by her aggressive gameplay, which she credited for putting pressure on her opponent. “A risky game from me helped to put a lot of pressure on her,” Sabalenka said, showcasing her strategic approach to the match. The two players shared a warm hug at the net after the match, highlighting the respect between them.
Grit and determination 😤
— wta (@WTA) August 11, 2025
Defending champion @SabalenkaA battles it out to win 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(5) against Raducanu.#CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/cghDnHca1P
Sabalenka's Road to Victory
The match was a closely contested battle that lasted three hours and nine minutes. Raducanu pushed Sabalenka to her limits, saving four break points in the eighth game of the final set, which went to 13 deuces. Despite the challenge, Sabalenka's experience and skill ultimately gave her the edge. “I'm happy to get through this difficult match,” Sabalenka said. “I just hope tomorrow is a day off. I need time to recover from such a great battle."
What's Next for Sabalenka?
Sabalenka is now bidding for her 10th trophy at the WTA 1000 level and second this season, following her win at the Madrid Open. She'll face Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the next round, having previously won against her upcoming opponent, Marketa Vondrousova wasn't her next opponent but she did beat her in straight sets earlier in the tournament in Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Open Updates
Former champion Madison Keys advanced to the last 16 of the Cincinnati Open with a convincing 6-4, 6-0 win over Japan's Aoi Ito. Keys edged a tight first set, taking it 6-4, before dominating the second set, winning it 6-0 in just 20 minutes. This win sets up a promising matchup for Keys, who will look to continue her strong form in the tournament.
Rybakina Advances to Next Round
Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina bounced back from a first-set wobble to defeat Belgian Elise Mertens 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, advancing to the next round of the Cincinnati Open. Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, struggled in the first set, committing numerous double faults. However, she managed to regroup and find her rhythm, ultimately securing the win.
Rybakina's Thoughts on the Match
“In the first set I struggled a lot. I think I never did so many double faults. Something for me to learn. Happy in the end I managed to find my game,” Rybakina said, reflecting on her performance. She also expressed gratitude to the crowd for staying late to watch the match, saying, “Thank you so much guys for staying so late.”
Next Up for Rybakina
Rybakina will face top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka in the next round, following Sabalenka's hard-fought win over Emma Raducanu. This matchup promises to be an exciting one, with both players showcasing their skills and determination on the court.
Cincinnati Open Updates
Anna Kalinskaya pulled off a stunning upset, defeating American fifth seed and Wimbledon runner-up Amanda Anisimova 7-5, 6-4. This marks Kalinskaya's third win against a top-10 opponent this season. Kalinskaya's strong form has seen her take down notable players, including Emma Raducanu in the Washington Open final and a hard-fought three-setter against Peyton Stearns to reach the third round in Cincinnati.
Next Matchup for Kalinskaya
Kalinskaya will face fellow Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova in the next round. Alexandrova secured a 6-4, 6-3 win over Australian player Maya Joint, showcasing her skills on the court. Given their current form and past performances, this matchup promises to be an exciting one.
Night fight 🌙
— Cincinnati Open (@CincyTennis) August 12, 2025
As the clock ticks past midnight, Rybakina closes out Mertens 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. pic.twitter.com/BmvLi2KvjW
Player Performance Insights
Amanda Anisimova's Form: Despite the loss, Anisimova has shown impressive form this season, with a 33-14 win/loss record. She won the Doha WTA 1000 title and reached the Wimbledon final.
Anna Kalinskaya's Momentum: Kalinskaya has been on a roll, winning seven of her last nine matches. Her tactical playing style and ability to adapt to her opponents have been key to her success.
Ekaterina Alexandrova's Consistency: Alexandrova has had a solid season, winning 31 of her 47 matches and claiming the Linz Open title. Her experience and skill will make her a tough opponent for Kalinskaya.
Cincinnati Open Match Updates
Sorana Cirstea secured a thrilling 6-7(2), 6-4, 6-4 win over Yuan Yue, advancing to the next round where she'll face third seed Iga Swiatek. Swiatek received a walkover into the round of 16, setting up a potentially exciting matchup with Cirstea. The Romanian player's experience and skill ultimately gave her the edge she needed to overcome Yuan's strong challenge.
Jessica Bouzas Maneiro's Dominant Win
Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro continued her impressive hard-court run with a 6-4, 6-1 thrashing of American wildcard Taylor Townsend. Bouzas Maneiro's strong form has seen her reach the quarterfinals in Montreal this month, and she'll look to keep the momentum going against Aryna Sabalenka in her next match on Wednesday. Sabalenka recently defeated Emma Raducanu in a three-set battle, showcasing her determination and skill.
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