In a match that tested nerves, stamina, and sheer willpower, top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka outlasted Britain’s Emma Raducanu in a dramatic three-hour showdown at the Cincinnati Open, winning 7-6(7/3), 4-6, 7-6(7/5) to advance to the fourth round.
Sabalenka, the defending champion, sealed the victory with back-to-back aces, bringing her season tally to 49 match wins. “I’m happy to get through this difficult match,” she said post-match. “I just hope tomorrow is a day off. I need time to recover from such a great battle.”
Raducanu, Britain’s No. 1, showcased resilience in a 25-minute eighth game of the final set, surviving 13 deuces and four break points. Despite the loss, she remained optimistic: “With work and practice, I think I can hold my level higher for longer.”
Sabalenka’s aggressive net play and risk-taking in the final moments proved decisive. She now eyes her 10th WTA 1000 title and second of the season after Madrid.
