Day eight of the 2025 Cincinnati Open, held on August 14, will feature three crucial men’s singles matches that could shape the tournament’s later stages. Among these contests, rising American star Ben Shelton is set to face the 22nd seed Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round, drawing significant attention from fans following Shelton’s recent successes. The Ben Shelton Cincinnati Open 2025 clash comes amidst a field that also includes defending champion Jannik Sinner, primed to compete against Felix Auger-Aliassime in a high-stakes quarterfinal match.

This round is pivotal as players strive to secure their spots in the quarterfinals and establish a commanding presence in this prestigious Masters 1000 event. Alongside these matchups, the seventh seed Holger Rune will battle qualifier Terence Atmane, setting the stage for an intriguing mix of experience and breakthrough performances.

Jannik Sinner Faces Felix Auger-Aliassime in a Quarterfinal Showdown

Jannik Sinner, the 2024 Cincinnati champion, remains one of the most formidable competitors this season with a remarkable 29-3 win-loss record in 2025 so far. He has claimed victories in two of the three major tournaments this year, showcasing his consistency and skill. At Cincinnati, Sinner started with a first-round bye, then moved past Daniel Elahi Galan and Gabriel Diallo before securing his fourth-round victory over Adrian Mannarino with scores of 6-4, 7-6 (4).

Felix Auger-Aliassime, seeded 23rd, has also had a strong year with 29 wins out of 47 matches. The Canadian captured titles in Adelaide and Montpellier while finishing runner-up in Dubai. Auger-Aliassime’s Cincinnati run began similarly with a bye and progressed through wins against Tomas Martin Etcheverry, Arthur Rinderknech (via retirement), and Benjamin Bonzi, including a 6-4, 6-3 finish in the fourth round.

Despite Auger-Aliassime holding a 2-0 head-to-head record against Sinner, including a notable comeback in Cincinnati 2022, Sinner is widely favored to advance further. Experts predict the Italian top seed will maintain his dominance in this quarterfinal encounter.

Ben Shelton Set to Challenge Jiri Lehecka in Fourth Round

Ben Shelton, the fifth seed and a fan favorite on home soil, enters the fourth round after a year marked by impressive achievements. Shelton has won 34 of his 50 matches in 2025 and recently celebrated his first Masters 1000 title in Montreal, elevating expectations for his Cincinnati campaign. His progress through this tournament included a bye in the first round, a second-round victory via retirement against Camilo Ugo Carabelli, and a 7-6 (3), 6-3 triumph over Roberto Bautista Agut in the third round.

Jiri Lehecka, the 22nd seed, has compiled a solid 30-16 record this season, highlighted by a title in Brisbane and a runner-up finish at Queen’s Club. In Cincinnati, Lehecka started with a bye, followed by wins over Tristan Boyer and Adam Walton, both decided in tightly contested sets featuring tie-breaks. His form suggests confidence leading into his clash with Shelton.

The players have met only once before this year in Stuttgart, where Shelton secured a straight-sets win, 6-4, 6-4. This history, combined with Shelton’s recent momentum, places the American as the likely favorite to advance to the quarterfinals.

Holger Rune and Terence Atmane Face Off in Quarterfinal Battle

The seventh-seeded Dane Holger Rune will meet French qualifier Terence Atmane in a quarterfinal that contrasts seasoned talent with an emerging competitor. Rune boasts a solid 27-15 record in 2025 and claimed the Barcelona title earlier this year. At Cincinnati, Rune benefited from a first-round bye, then overcame Roman Safiullin and Alex Michelsen. He secured a fourth-round win when tenth seed Frances Tiafoe retired during their match.

Terence Atmane arrived at the Cincinnati Open with a 30-24 overall record, holding two Challenger titles but without prior Main Tour breakthroughs this season. His Cincinnati journey began in the qualifiers with victories over Omar Jasika and Li Tu, before he advanced through the main draw by defeating Yoshihito Nishioka, Flavio Cobolli, and Brazilian player Jaoa Fonseca. In a significant upset, Atmane conquered fourth seed Taylor Fritz in the fourth round, coming back from a set down to win 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.

This quarterfinal will mark the first meeting between Rune and Atmane. Given Rune’s higher ranking and consistent performance, he is expected to prevail, although Atmane’s recent form shows he can challenge top players.

Implications and Looking Ahead in the Cincinnati Open

The men’s singles competition at the 2025 Cincinnati Open is entering a decisive phase, with established stars aiming to maintain their form and newcomers striving to create breakthroughs. Ben Shelton’s fourth-round match against Jiri Lehecka highlights the tournament’s blend of rising talent and seasoned players, with the home favorite carrying significant hopes for a championship run. Meanwhile, the duel between Jannik Sinner and Felix Auger-Aliassime promises high-quality tennis with the defending champion seeking to prove his dominance.

Holger Rune’s impending match against qualifier Terence Atmane could signal whether a new contender will disrupt the established order. As these matches conclude, the quarterfinal outcomes will set the tone for a riveting conclusion to the Cincinnati Open, drawing global attention to Cincinnati once again.