Aryna Sabalenka faced a fierce challenge from former US Open champion Emma Raducanu in their third-round clash at the Cincinnati Open. The sweltering conditions in Cincinnati only intensified the battle, making it one of the most grueling tournament matches for the world No. 1.
How Did the Sweltering Conditions Add to Aryna Sabalenka’s Challenge During the Cincinnati Open Escape?
Both players arrived determined to progress deeper into the tournament and displayed grit from the outset despite the intense heat. The first set pushed to a tiebreak, which Sabalenka claimed 7-6 (7-3). However, Raducanu fought back and took the second set 6-4.
The deciding set proved even more thrilling as it also went to a tiebreak. Ultimately, Sabalenka, who finished with 46 winners and 72 unforced errors, clinched it 7-6 (7-5). The marathon battle lasted three hours and nine minutes, leaving both players drained.
Moments after the match, Sabalenka admitted the scorching conditions affected her mentally. In an interview with Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj, the three-time major champion playfully described feeling “old” while trying to recuperate as Raducanu appeared unfazed.
“The whole time I’ve been thinking this is what they called aging. I was like, This is how it feels to be old. I looked at Emma and she was liked pumped. She was like ready to play the next point. And I was there still trying to recover my breath. And I was like, ‘what’s going on?’ I couldn’t believe I am getting old. And I looked at Jason, he didn’t say anything, but we need to do something because I’m getting old,” she said.
The narrow victory improved Sabalenka’s head-to-head record to 3-0 against the Brit. The performance will also boost her confidence as she heads into the fourth round of the WTA 1000 event with the sole aim of defending her title.
How Did Sabalenka Battle the Harsh Conditions to Edge Through in Cincinnati?
Beyond the physical demands, Sabalenka revealed she focused on breathing techniques to manage the brutal heat. She explained that controlling her breath became crucial to maintaining composure during the most challenging moments of the match.
“I was just trying to control my breath. I was just like trying to do those slow exhales and make sure I can breathe normal. And I don’t know, I was hoping that I’m going to be able to stay in there in these conditions and get the win,” she said.
After surviving the dramatic third-round encounter, Sabalenka now shifts her focus to Jéssica Bouzas Maneiro, marking their second meeting on tour. Adding to the Belarusian’s confidence is her most recent victory over the Spaniard at the 2025 Australian Open
