How Did Sabalenka Triumph in Cincinnati Against Raducanu?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Aryna Sabalenka successfully defended her title in Cincinnati.
- The match featured a dramatic third-set tiebreak.
- Sabalenka's performance included 46 winners and 72 unforced errors.
- Emma Raducanu demonstrated resilience despite the loss.
- Sabalenka's next opponent is Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
Cincinnati, Aug 12 (NationPress) Aryna Sabalenka's defense of her title in Cincinnati remains intact following a grueling victory of 7-6 (3), 4-6, 7-6 (5) against Emma Raducanu.
This thrilling clash lasted three hours and nine minutes, marking it as the fourth longest match in Sabalenka's career. She has now achieved an impressive 11-0 record in first-set tiebreaks this season.
Sabalenka recorded 46 winners and committed 72 unforced errors during the match. Her next challenge will be a Round of 16 matchup on Wednesday against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, who defeated wild card Taylor Townsend with a score of 6-4, 6-1.
The Belarusian has successfully won all three of her encounters against Raducanu in the last 18 months. With this victory, she has now accumulated 49 wins and has spent more time on the court—nearly 100 hours—than any other player on the WTA Tour.
Raducanu commenced the match by winning eight consecutive points, but a double fault on the ninth point shifted the momentum in Sabalenka's favor. The Belarusian quickly broke her serve to restore balance.
After experiencing a four-game slump, Raducanu managed to hold serve to lead 4-3. About thirty minutes into the match, a backhand error from Sabalenka allowed Raducanu to equalize at 4-all. She saved two break points and held serve for a 5-4 advantage, according to WTA reports.
At 5-all, Raducanu delivered her best game, capping it off with a powerful crosscourt forehand winner and an ace. Sabalenka also held serve, leading them into a pivotal tiebreak.
The second set proceeded smoothly for six games until Raducanu earned three break points and converted the last one. This marked the only break in the second set, which she secured with a decisive ace.
The final set began with seven relatively straightforward service holds. However, the eighth game turned into a contest of its own, featuring 13 deuces. Raducanu saved four break points before finally hitting a serve that Sabalenka could not return.
Following this, Raducanu celebrated with a raised, clenched fist directed at her box. With no breaks occurring in the third set, Sabalenka concluded the match with another stellar performance.