{
  "id": 2059530,
  "title": "Top seed Zverev bundled out by Paul in rain-hit Cincinnati upset",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/top-seed-zverev-bundled-out-by-paul-in-rain-hit-cincinnati-upset-2059530",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-20T02:12:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/racquet-sports/2026/08/1514966/top-seed-zverev-bundled-out-paul-rain-hit-cincinnati-upset"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "CINCINNATI, Ohio - Alexander Zverev's top seed status was shattered by Tommy Paul in an unexpected rain-soaked upset at the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters. The match, delayed by heavy rain, saw Paul win 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 in a thrilling contest. The German champion had a golden opportunity to seal the deal at 6-5 in the second-set tiebreaker, but mishit a volley into the net. Paul, who had previously defeated Zverev in three of their last four meetings, credited his returns for breaking through Zverev's defense. He expressed excitement about his performance and hopes to maintain his momentum heading into the US Open. Zverev will now face Flavio Cobolli, who battled Rafael Jodar to reach his second quarter-final of the season. Cobolli's win against Jodar came after a grueling two and a half hour match. Thiago Tirante continued his impressive run by defeating Jakub Mensik, advancing to his first Masters quarter-final. Sixth-seeded champion Iga Swiatek showcased her resilience, defeating Diane Parry 6-3, 6-3 in a hard-fought match. She will face Elena Rybakina in a rematch of their Toronto final. Other notable quarter-finalists include Marta Kostyuk, who overcame a set deficit to beat Mirra Andreeva, and Linda Noskova, who defeated Amanda Anisimova. Jessica Pegula will face the latter in the next round.",
  "summary": "CINCINNATI: Tommy Paul saved a match point on the way to a 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 upset of top seed Alexander Zverev on Wednesday to reach the quarter-finals of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Top seed Zverev bundled out by Paul in rain-hit Cincinnati upset",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/top-seed-zverev-bundled-out-by-paul-in-rain-hit-cincinnati-upset",
        "published": "2026-08-20T01:12:33.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}