The scorching heat in Cincinnati has intensified the challenges for players at the 1000-level event. While all have elevated their game in the relentless conditions, some showed signs of fatigue, seeking ways to cool down and recover.
So, here’s a look at the notable names who appeared visibly drained in the Ohio heat and humidity while striving for a strong lead-up to the US Open.
Elena Rybakina, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Other Struggle Amid Sweltering Conditions at the Cincinnati Open
Cincinnati is expected to experience an average high of 90°F (32.2°C) throughout the week, with heat and humidity adding to the challenge. This has already been evident in the matches played so far under similar conditions.
Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev was among the notable seeds to fall early at the Cincinnati Open. The extreme conditions appeared to take their toll, with the Russian even placing his head inside a fridge while trailing Adam Walton 1-4 in the third set.
Ninth seed Elena Rybakina, who battled past Renata Zarazúa 4-6, 6-0, 7-5, also appeared affected by the scorching heat at the WTA 1000 event. The Kazakh was spotted pressing an ice pack to her head while trying to stay hydrated.
“In the first set, the sun hit quite badly on me. I honestly didn’t feel well, especially at the beginning of the match. Somehow I got used to it & the weather became better. But it was really tough match. Happy that I managed to get through,” Rybakina spoke about the challenges after the win.
Elena Rybakina on beating Zarazua in Cincinnati
“In the first set the sun hit quite badly on me. I honestly didn’t feel well. Somehow I got used to it & the weather became better. Happy I managed to get through. Renata played really well” ❤️
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 9, 2025
Top two seeds Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz cruised through their openers against Daniel Elahi Galán and Damir Džumhur, respectively. Still, both paid the price for physical fatigue from Cincinnati’s conditions. Alcaraz was seen cooling off with ice towels, while Sinner turned to a portable air conditioner to combat the heat.
Ninth seed Andrey Rublev, who overcame Learner Tien in the second round, also appeared troubled by the conditions, pouring water over his head at one point. Meanwhile, Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina was forced to retire mid-match despite leading Joao Fonseca 7-6, 4-0. Although the exact reason remains unknown, the scorching heat also seemed to have taken its toll on him.
View this post on Instagram
The sweltering conditions left several players struggling in one of the key build-up events to the US Open. Thirteen women’s seeds, including Emma Navarro and Leylah Fernandez, bowed out in the second round, and 11 men’s seeds, including Medvedev, Lorenzo Musetti, and Alex de Minaur, met the same fate.
What Was Caty McNally’s Struggle Amid the Testing Conditions at Cincinnati Open?
Cincinnati native Caty McNally made the most of her wildcard entry into the 2025 Cincinnati Open, delivering a commanding 6-2, 6-3 win over Australia’s Maddison Inglis to reach the next round. But the celebration was short-lived as moments after leaving the court, McNally rushed away and vomited, looking visibly unwell.
Speaking after the match, the American said that she felt unwell because of the nerves and the thoughts swirling in her mind about the match.
“I feel a lot better. I think I got it out of my system. It was just a lot of things, waiting for the match today, nerves, haven’t played here in a long time (and) playing in front of a packed crowd, it meant a lot to me,” she said.
There’s no place like home 🏡@CatyMcNally defeats Inglis 6-2, 6-3 to record her first victory in her hometown since 2022.#CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/V4FcwRp58j
— wta (@WTA) August 9, 2025
It is worth noting that McNally’s run in Cincinnati proved short-lived when she fell to 29th seed McCartney Kessler in the second round. In addition to McNally, China’s Lin Zhu battled the sweltering heat, pausing for a medical timeout as a doctor checked her vitals during her opening-round loss to Lucia Bronzetti.
