Aryna Sabalenka, preparing for the Cincinnati Open, emphasizes the importance of a 'short memory' in her tennis philosophy, allowing her to focus on each new tournament without dwelling on past losses. As the third seed and a two-time Australian Open champion, she aims to improve her Cincinnati record after reaching the semifinals in previous years and recovering from a shoulder injury. Sabalenka expresses that every loss drives her to work harder and improve, viewing her sport as a contrast to personal challenges, including the loss of her father and a former boyfriend this year. She stresses the need to take things step by step and deliver her best performance. The tournament also saw ninth-seeded Daria Kastkina secure a victory, while number 15 Marta Kostyuk advanced in the competition. The Cincinnati Open serves as the last major test before the US Open begins on August 26.