Sabalenka squeezes out a win on sixth match point in Cincinnati

CINCINNATI: Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed, triumphed over Talia Gibson in a hard-fought match 6-2, 7-6 (7/2) on Sunday, advancing to the third round of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters. The world number one required six match points, with Gibson saving five in the 12th game of the second set before Sabalenka sealed the win with a final winner.

The Belarusian expressed feeling exhausted due to the challenging weather conditions at Grandstand Court. Gibson demonstrated great tennis, playing more aggressively in the second set and exerting pressure on Sabalenka's service games. Despite the tough match, Sabalenka remained calm and managed to secure the victory in straight sets.

Sabalenka, who secured the Cincinnati trophy in 2024, aims to build up to the US Open, where she seeks her first Grand Slam title of the year. She has won three titles in 2026, but none since Miami in March. Reaching the third round alongside Sabalenka are reigning Grand Slam champions Elena Rybakina and Mirra Andreeva. Rybakina, who was runner-up to Iga Swiatek in Toronto, defeated Taylor Townsend 6-3, 6-4.

Andreeva dominated Oleksandra Oliynykova with a 6-1, 6-0 scoreline, saving all seven break points. Swiatek, the defending champion and first titleholder of a difficult season, overwhelmed Emiliana Arango of Colombia 6-3, 6-0. Sara Bejlek continued her impressive streak, defeating fellow Czech Barbora Krejcikova 7-6 (7/5), 6-4. In men's action, second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime began his US Open preparation with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over 2022 Cincy finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas.

The Canadian, who withdrew from the Montreal Masters due to back pain, showcased his best form, breaking Tsitsipas' serve three times in the second set and sealing the win with his seventh ace on match point.