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Key Points

Sabalenka overcame a tough challenge from Vondrousova in her Cincinnati Open title defense. The world No. 1 held her nerve in key moments to win 7-5, 6-1. Next, she faces an in-form Raducanu, who dominated Danilovic earlier. Their upcoming clash features two Grand Slam champions with contrasting recent form.

Key Points: Sabalenka edges Vondrousova to set up Raducanu Cincinnati clash

  • Sabalenka saved six break points in tense first set
  • Vondrousova failed to convert any of 12 break chances
  • Raducanu cruised past Danilovic in straight sets
  • Sabalenka leads head-to-head 2-0 against Raducanu
2 min read

Cincinnati Open: Sabalenka survives Vondrousova test, sets up Raducanu clash

World No. 1 Sabalenka survives Vondrousova test in Cincinnati Open, advances to face Raducanu in a high-stakes third-round showdown.

"It’s always a tough match against her... You have to fight for every point. – Aryna Sabalenka on Vondrousova"

Cincinnati, Aug 10

Aryna Sabalenka began her title defense at the Cincinnati Open with a gritty win over former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova on Saturday night.

The World No. 1 battled through a challenging first set, saving six break points before clinching it 7–5. Despite facing constant pressure on her serve, Sabalenka maintained her composure and elevated her game in the second set to close out the match 7–5, 6–1.

“It’s always a tough match against her,” Sabalenka said after the match. “(Vondrousova) always pushes me to the limit. You have to stay focused, and you have to fight for every point against her.”

Vondrousova had numerous chances, creating 12 break points across the two sets but failed to convert any. Sabalenka, in contrast, made the most of her limited opportunities, going two-for-two on break points in the second set. The win marked her fifth victory in eight career meetings with the Czech left-hander.

Next up for Sabalenka is another Grand Slam champion: Britain’s Emma Raducanu. The former US Open winner advanced earlier in the day with a commanding 6–3, 6–2 win over Olga Danilovic. It was the pair’s first meeting on the WTA Tour, and Raducanu impressed with her clean, aggressive baseline play.

Raducanu, now unbeaten in opening matches since March, will look to finally break through against Sabalenka. The two have faced off twice before, most recently at Wimbledon this year, where Sabalenka won in straight sets. Raducanu is yet to take a set from the top-ranked Belarusian.

Their upcoming third-round clash promises to be a marquee matchup between two of the sport’s most exciting names, with Sabalenka aiming to continue her title defense and Raducanu seeking her first win in the rivalry.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Raducanu has improved so much since her comeback! Though Sabalenka is the favorite, I wouldn't count Emma out. Her game looked sharp against Danilovic.
P
Priya S
Vondrousova wasted too many chances. In tennis, you can't afford to be 0/12 on break points against the world no.1! Sabalenka punished every mistake ruthlessly.
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Aditya G
The match timing was 3:30 AM IST! Stayed up to watch and it was worth every minute. Sabalenka's power game is something else. Hope Raducanu can make it competitive next round.
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Nisha Z
While Sabalenka is impressive, I wish the coverage focused more on Asian players too. Where are our Indian stars in these big tournaments? Need more investment in tennis infrastructure here.
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Karthik V
That second set was pure dominance! 6-1 against a Wimbledon champion shows why Sabalenka is world no.1. Raducanu will need her A++ game to challenge her.

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