Emma Raducanu came within a few points of toppling the world’s best in a gripping Cincinnati Open third-round clash against Aryna Sabalenka. Across three hours and nine minutes in punishing heat, Raducanu displayed the best serving performance of her year, combining sharp forehands, clever slices, and remarkable resilience. Yet, despite dictating long stretches of play, she ultimately fell 7-6 (3), 4-6, 7-6 (5) to a composed and battle-hardened Sabalenka, whose tie-break mastery proved decisive in an unforgettable contest.
Key Highlights
Aryna Sabalenka defeated Emma Raducanu 7-6 (3), 4-6, 7-6 (5) in a three-hour Cincinnati Open battle
Raducanu’s first serve performance was among her best of the year, landing 82% in the second set
Sabalenka hit 72 unforced errors but extended her tie-break winning streak to 16 straight
Humid 32C conditions added to the physical and mental challenge for both players
Raducanu continues strong form heading into the US Open, her best since winning in New York in 2021
A Test of Endurance and Skill
The contest opened in fierce midday heat, with Raducanu making a statement by winning the first nine points. However, the early advantage quickly faded as the set became a volatile exchange of momentum. The first tie-break went Sabalenka’s way after Raducanu’s second-serve confidence evaporated. A costly double fault at 1-3 in the breaker caused her shoulders to drop, and Sabalenka capitalized.
Despite the setback, Raducanu rebounded in the second set, transforming her serving efficiency. Landing 82% of first serves and winning 75% of those points, she kept Sabalenka under pressure while breaking at 3-3. Sabalenka’s growing error count—72 unforced in total—added further opportunities, and Raducanu closed the set to level the match.
Mental Toughness in the Decisive Set
Both players took a bathroom break to escape the suffocating humidity before the third set. Raducanu emerged first, receiving steady words from coach Francisco Roig.
“You’re better than her.” – Francisco Roig
The message resonated as Raducanu breezed through early service games and battled fiercely at 3-4 in a 20-minute epic containing 13 deuces and four break points. With sheer determination, she held serve with an unreturned delivery and steadied herself to force a final-set tie-break.
Sabalenka, however, called on her growing reputation for performing in key moments. Her aggressive net play, a recent tactical addition under coach Max Mirnyi, proved vital in the closing stages. The Belarusian maintained her extraordinary tie-break record, sealing her 16th consecutive breaker win with a commanding ace.
Raducanu’s Growing Confidence
While the scoreline ultimately favored Sabalenka, Raducanu’s performance may mark a turning point in her season. Her ability to absorb pace, counter with precision forehands, and use her improved backhand slice effectively reflected technical progress. More importantly, her willingness to attack big moments signaled renewed competitive belief.
This match built on her recent consistency across the North American hard-court swing, where she has both played and won regularly. For a player who has often struggled to bridge the gap to the very top, pushing the world No. 1 to the brink in a high-stakes, high-quality contest offers validation. Once the sting of defeat fades, Raducanu will carry valuable lessons into the US Open—arguably in her best form since her stunning 2021 victory in New York.
Sabalenka’s Relentless Edge
Sabalenka’s 72 unforced errors underscored an afternoon of inconsistency, yet her composure never truly cracked. Her ability to adapt, stay aggressive, and find ways to win when not at her peak has become a defining trait of her tenure as world No. 1.
Approaching the net more frequently in crunch moments reflected the influence of Mirnyi on her tactical variety. Even when outplayed in rallies, Sabalenka’s mindset and big-point execution allowed her to survive and ultimately prevail. For Raducanu, the defeat was a painful near-miss; for Sabalenka, it was another example of championship resilience.
News in Brief: Sabalenka defeats Raducanu in Cincinnati Open thriller
Aryna Sabalenka overcame Emma Raducanu 7-6 (3), 4-6, 7-6 (5) in a gripping Cincinnati Open third-round match lasting over three hours. Raducanu showcased her best serving of the year, pushing the world No. 1 to the brink in humid 32C conditions. Sabalenka committed 72 unforced errors but extended her tie-break streak to 16 straight wins, sealing victory with an ace. Raducanu’s performance underlined her progress ahead of the US Open, where she enters in her strongest form since 2021.
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