Cincinnati Open: Sabalenka takes six match points to defeat Gibson

World number one Aryna Sabalenka narrowly defeated Talia Gibson in the Cincinnati Open, needing six match points to secure a 6-2, 7-6 victory. The match, played in windy conditions, saw Gibson save five match points before Sabalenka advanced to the third round. Other notable winners included Grand Slam champions Elena Rybakina and Mirra Andreeva. In the men's draw, Felix Auger-Aliassime defeated former finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-5. American Coco Gauff also advanced after a three-set match, while Ben Shelton was eliminated. The tournament is a key preparation event for the upcoming US Open.

Iga Swiatek began her Cincinnati Open campaign with a 6-3, 6-0 victory over Emiliana Arango, marking her seventh consecutive win. This follows her recent title win in Toronto. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka also advanced, defeating Talia Gibson 6-2, 7-6 (2). Elena Rybakina, the No. 2 ranked player, beat Taylor Townsend 6-3, 6-4 after losing to Swiatek in the Toronto finals. In the men's tournament, Taylor Fritz and Felix Auger-Aliassime secured wins, with Auger-Aliassime defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas. Other notable results included Madison Keys, Mirra Andreeva, Daniil Medvedev, and teenager Joao Fonseca advancing.

Venus Williams's singles losing streak has extended to 13 matches after her first-round exit from the Cincinnati Open. The seven-time Grand Slam champion was defeated 6-2, 6-2 by qualifier Emiliana Arango. Williams, who received a wild-card entry to the WTA 1000 event, has not won a singles match since July 2025. Arango, ranked 95th, secured the victory in just over an hour, converting four of five break points while Williams failed to convert her single opportunity. Arango will advance to face Iga Swiatek in the next round.

Venus Williams' singles losing streak has extended to 13 matches after a 6-2, 6-2 defeat to qualifier Emiliana Arango in the first round of the Cincinnati Open. The 46-year-old received a wild-card entry and has not won a singles match since July 2025. Arango, ranked 95th, dominated the match, converting break points efficiently while Williams struggled on her serve and break opportunities. Williams acknowledged controlling points but needing more consistency to finish them. She will now compete in doubles at the Cincinnati Open with her sister Serena, having received another wild-card entry. The sisters are also scheduled to play doubles at the U.S. Open later this month.