World No 1 Sabalenka defeats Raducanu in Cincinnati thriller

Aryna Sabalenka edged out Emma Raducanu in a grueling three-set match at the Cincinnati Open, winning 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(5) after over three hours of play. Sabalenka praised Raducanu as an incredible player and a really nice person, highlighting her continuous improvement and expressing respect for the intense battle they shared. Despite the loss, Raducanu's performance showed significant progress, as she pushed the world number one to a deciding set tie-break for the second time in recent months, signaling her potential to soon secure a seeded spot at the upcoming US Open. Raducanu's new coach, Francisco Roig, was vocal during the match, providing tactical advice and motivation, which commentators believe reflects a disciplined coaching style that could elevate Raducanu's game further. During the match, Raducanu was also cautioned by the umpire for speaking to her coach, highlighting the tension and strict adherence to rules in high-stakes play. This encounter underscores Raducanu's rising competitiveness against elite opponents and sets an intriguing stage for her performance in New York.