World number one Aryna Sabalenka navigated a challenging test at the Cincinnati Masters, requiring six match points to overcome Australia’s Talia Gibson. The Belarusian secured a 6-2, 7-6 (7/2) victory on the windswept Grandstand Court in Ohio, sealing the win in just under two hours. Sabalenka, who claimed the Cincinnati title in 2024, is looking to build momentum ahead of the US Open as she chases her first Grand Slam trophy of the year. Despite winning three titles in 2026, she has not lifted a trophy since March in Miami.
Reflecting on the difficult conditions, Sabalenka admitted, “I’m super tired. This is crazy weather.” She noted that Gibson increased the pressure during the second set, forcing her to stay composed to avoid a third set. Sabalenka joins other top contenders in the third round, including Australian Open winner Elena Rybakina and Roland Garros champion Mirra Andreeva, both of whom advanced comfortably.
Rybakina, currently ranked world number two, defeated Taylor Townsend 6-3, 6-4, expressing relief at a less taxing start following a grueling run in Toronto. Meanwhile, Andreeva dominated her match against Oleksandra Oliynykova, winning 6-1, 6-0 while saving all seven break points she faced. Defending champion Iga Swiatek also progressed, moving past Colombia’s Emiliana Arango with a decisive 6-3, 6-0 victory.
The evening session proved more volatile for American stars. Fourth-seeded Coco Gauff overcame a slow start to defeat Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, finishing the match by winning the final five games. Conversely, Ben Shelton, fresh off his Montreal Masters success, was eliminated by Portugal’s Jaime Faria. Faria rallied from a 4-1 deficit in the second set to secure a 6-4, 6-4 victory, marking his first win against a top-10 opponent.
In the men’s draw, Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime made a strong return to competition after withdrawing from his home Masters due to back pain. Playing his first match since Wimbledon, he defeated 2022 finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-5. Auger-Aliassime controlled the match in 88 minutes, firing seven aces and breaking his opponent three times in the second set. “It was a tricky ending, but luckily, I was able to get the break back,” he said, noting that the windy conditions complicated the final stages of the match.
Other notable results included fourth-seeded Daniil Medvedev, who opened his campaign with a clinical 6-4, 7-5 win over Argentina’s Marco Trungelliti. American Taylor Fritz also advanced, defeating compatriot Alex Michelsen 6-3, 6-4. Despite a moment of frustration early in the match that saw him smash his racquet, Fritz maintained his focus through the swirling winds to secure his spot in the next round. The report also notes that i’m glad I stayed calm and pulled it out in straight sets.”. The report also notes that “Today I’m happy with the serve,” she said. The report also notes that last week in Toronto was very difficult. The report also notes that “These moments, you got to take it all in and just enjoy it,” Faria said. The report also notes that “It’s a very emotional moment for me and my team, to do it here in front of an amazing crowd and against the home player at night at an amazing venue just makes it a little more special.”.
