Top-ranked Sabalenka stunned by Bejlek in Cincinnati

In the fourth round of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters, world number one Aryna Sabalenka suffered an upset defeat to 35th-ranked Czech player Sara Bejlek. The Belarusian star, who had been in excellent form up to that point, was unable to continue her winning streak after losing 7-6 (9/7), 6-4 in a match that concluded just after midnight, carrying into the early hours of Thursday.

Sabalenka had taken an early lead in the opening set, holding a break point advantage, but Bejlek mounted a strong comeback. The 20-year-old Czech broke Sabalenka's serve a total of three times in the second set, ultimately clinching the victory with a break point game and an ace.

In her post-match interview, Bejlek expressed her elation, stating that her win over a top-10 player was a remarkable achievement. The Czech, who secured her first title on the hard court circuit in Abu Dhabi earlier this year as a qualifier, advanced to the quarter-finals, where she will face American player Madison Keys.

The loss marked another disappointing setback for Sabalenka as she prepares for the highly anticipated start of the US Open on August 30. The four-time Grand Slam champion had previously been eliminated in the fourth round at the Toronto Masters, Wimbledon, and the quarter-finals at Roland Garros during the previous month.