Top-ranked Sabalenka stunned by Bejlek in Cincinnati
Aryna Sabalenka squanders a break lead in the opening set and a 5-1 advantage in the tiebreak as the 35th-ranked Czech fights back to win 7-6 (9/7), 6-4.
In a surprising turn of events at the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters, world number one Aryna Sabalenka was defeated in the fourth round by 35th-ranked Czech player Sara Bejlek. The Belarusian star, who had been cruising through the previous round, was ultimately outplayed by the 20-year-old Czech sensation. Sabalenka led 1-0 in the opening set and even held a 5-1 lead in the tiebreaker before Bejlek mounted a comeback.
The Czech player broke Sabalenka's serve three times in the second set and sealed the victory with a love service game and an ace. Bejlek expressed her delight, stating that losing to a top-10 player was an incredible feeling. The win earned her a quarter-final clash with American Madison Keys. Sabalenka's loss marks another setback as the start of the US Open approaches on August 30, following previous early exits at the Toronto Masters, Wimbledon, and Roland Garros.
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Also reported by 2 other outlets
- Top-ranked Sabalenka stunned by Bejlek in Cincinnati freemalaysiatoday.com
- Sabalenka stunned by Bejlek as slump continues bbc.co.uk
