World number one Aryna Sabalenka delivered a commanding performance on Tuesday, defeating China’s Wang Xinyu 6-1, 6-3 to secure her spot in the fourth round of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters. Sabalenka dominated the opening set in just 20 minutes and maintained her momentum by breaking serve early in the second, ultimately closing out the match in 54 minutes. This victory marks her 45th consecutive win at the Masters 1000 level.
Reflecting on the performance, Sabalenka noted that while Wang was a tough opponent, she was pleased to secure a straight-sets win in under an hour. She credited her success to staying focused and trusting her shots, adding that she felt in control throughout the match. Sabalenka is set to face Czech player Sara Bejlek, who advanced after a 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 comeback win against Ekaterina Alexandrova.
Fourth seed Coco Gauff also progressed, overcoming fellow American Ann Li with a 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) victory. After a swift 30-minute opening set, Gauff faced a tighter challenge in the second, where the players traded early breaks before heading to a tie-breaker. Gauff acknowledged the difficulty of controlling the ball in her first day match on center court, noting that she had to adjust her game after missing several break opportunities.
Fifth seed Mirra Andreeva faced a stiffer test than expected against Indonesian challenger Janice Tjen, eventually prevailing 6-1, 7-6 (7/5). While Andreeva dominated the first set, she admitted to feeling nervous as Tjen reduced her unforced errors in the second, turning the match into a grueling physical and mental battle.
Elsewhere in the tournament, eighth-seeded Elina Svitolina was forced to withdraw from her scheduled match against Wang Xiyu due to an ankle injury. The Ukrainian player issued a statement confirming that she had been advised by medical professionals to take time off to rest and ensure a full recovery. The report also notes that i really trusted myself and went for my shots. The report also notes that i was able to stay focused and be in every point. The report also notes that winning in 30 minutes, the 2023 champion had it all her own way in the opening set against her 29th-ranked foe. The report also notes that mirra Andreeva’s French Open reigning champion status counted for little as the fifth seed struggled to close out a 6-1, 7-6 (7/5) victory over Janice Tjen. The report also notes that the Indonesian challenger ranked 37 was bowled over in the first set but made Andreeva work to finally advance.
