Sabalenka stunned by Bejlek as slump continues

Aryna Sabalenka's bid for her US Open title defence faced a setback as she was upset by Sara Bejlek in the fourth round at the Cincinnati Open. The Belarusian top seed, who led 5-1 in a first-set tiebreak and 4-1 in the second set, was eventually defeated 7-6 (9-7) 6-4 by the Czech player. This loss threatens Sabalenka's position as world number one, with Elena Rybakina poised to replace her at the top if she advances to the Cincinnati final.

Sabalenka, aiming to become the first woman to win three consecutive US Open titles since Serena Williams in 2014, has struggled with early exits in Cincinnati and Toronto. Bejlek, ranked 35th, made history by defeating a top-10 opponent and reaching a WTA 1,000 quarter-final for the first time. The 20-year-old credits her belief and determination for her performance, stating, "I just kept believing and that was the key today."

Bejlek will next face Madison Keys in the last eight, while in the men's event, American Tommy Paul stunned top seed Alexander Zverev to advance to the quarter-finals.