Alcaraz and Gauff Struggle at Cincinnati Open

Carlos Alcaraz's match at the Cincinnati Open was interrupted by rain while he was leading Gael Monfils 6-4, 6-6 (1-3), marking a significant moment as this is the last major preparation before the US Open, beginning August 26. Meanwhile, defending champion Coco Gauff suffered a surprising first-round exit, losing to Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. Gauff expressed disappointment and acknowledged the need to improve her consistency ahead of her title defense at the US Open. Putintseva, ranked 34th, has gained attention for her recent upsets, including a victory over world No. 1 Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon. In other matches, Aryna Sabalenka won her opening match against Elisabetta Cocciaretto, and Paula Badosa defeated Anna Kalinskaya to advance. Alcaraz and Gauff’s performances highlight the unpredictable nature of pre-Grand Slam tournaments.