Sabalenka survives scare, advances at Cincinnati Masters

World number one Aryna Sabalenka battled tough conditions and a determined opponent to advance at the Cincinnati Masters. She ultimately defeated Australia's Talia Gibson 6-2, 7-6 (7/2) on a windswept court.

Sabalenka required six match points to close out the victory, finally securing the win in a second-set tiebreaker. Gibson had saved five match points in the previous game, making for a tense conclusion.

"I'm super tired, this is crazy weather," Sabalenka commented after the match. "Talia played great tennis and was more aggressive in the second set. She put more pressure on my service games. I'm glad I stayed calm and pulled it out in straight sets."

The Belarusian player, who won the Cincinnati tournament in 2024, is using the event as preparation for the US Open. She is seeking her first Grand Slam title of the year and has won three titles in 2026, though none since March in Miami. Other top players like Elena Rybakina and Mirra Andreeva also advanced to the third round.

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I'm super tired, this is crazy weather. Talia played great tennis and was more aggressive in the second set. She put more pressure on my service games. I'm glad I stayed calm and pulled it out in straight sets.