Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and defending Cincinnati Open champion, continues to dominate the courts at the 2025 Cincinnati Open, storming into the quarterfinals with a commanding 6-1, 7-5 victory over Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. The Belarusian’s performance on August 13 was a masterclass in controlled aggression, as she leveraged her powerful serve and relentless return game to secure her 50th WTA win of the season. But beyond her on-court heroics, Sabalenka’s candid revelations about her love for indulgent cheat meals—particularly a perfectly crafted cheeseburger—have endeared her to fans, offering a glimpse into the personality behind the powerhouse.
The match against Bouzas Maneiro, played under the humid Ohio skies, showcased Sabalenka’s ability to adapt and overcome. She started with a blistering 3-0 lead, capitalizing on her opponent’s shaky serve to wrap up the first set in just 30 minutes. Bouzas Maneiro, a rising star who had reached a career-high No. 42 after a strong Canadian Open, fought back in the second set, pushing Sabalenka to a 7-5 finish. “She didn’t start well, and I used my opportunity,” Sabalenka said post-match, her voice tinged with respect for her opponent. “I put so much pressure on her, so it was really tough for her to come back in the first set. Then she found her rhythm a little bit better, and it was a tough fight in the second set.” Her ability to close out the match in straight sets, despite a tighter second set, underscored her mental fortitude, especially after a grueling three-hour battle against Emma Raducanu in the previous round.
Sabalenka’s victory sets up a blockbuster quarterfinal clash against Elena Rybakina, a rematch of their thrilling encounters earlier this year. “It’s going to be a really aggressive match—two big servers,” Sabalenka noted, her excitement palpable. “We’ve played a lot of great battles in the past, and I always enjoy playing against her. Another great match, another great opportunity to work on something new to improve my tennis.” Their head-to-head stands at 7-4 in Sabalenka’s favor, but with their last four matches split evenly, the Cincinnati crowd is in for a spectacle on August 15.
Off the court, Sabalenka’s charm shone through as she opened up about her culinary guilty pleasures. “Some of my cheat meals are full on,” she confessed with a grin during a post-match interview. “It’s hamburgers, pizza, gummies—a lot of different things in one day. If it’s a cheat meal, you’ve got to go full, you know? But hamburgers, that’s my weakness, like cheesy and soft and a really good meat and hot, and the bun is still… melting with the cheese and stuff.” Her vivid description of the perfect cheeseburger—simple, smashed, with a bun that melds with the cheese—painted a relatable picture of a champion who relishes life’s simple joys, even as she chases her fourth title of 2025.
Sabalenka’s journey in Cincinnati is about more than just tennis. The revamped Lindner Family Tennis Center, with its $260 million upgrade, has provided a backdrop that players like Sabalenka have embraced. The new player amenities, from spacious lounges to endless acai bowls, have added a layer of comfort to the high-stakes tournament. Yet, Sabalenka’s focus remains on recovery in the sweltering conditions. “Stay hydrated, guys, especially when it’s super hot,” she advised, half-laughing as she mentioned her post-match ice bath and treatment routine. “At my age, recovery is key,” she quipped, brushing off any notion that her 27 years make her anything less than a youthful force.
This season has been a testament to Sabalenka’s consistency, with 50 wins already under her belt—eight more than her closest rival, Iga Świątek. Despite falling short in the finals of the Australian Open and Roland Garros to Madison Keys and Coco Gauff, respectively, and a semifinal loss to Amanda Anisimova at Wimbledon, Sabalenka’s hunger for success remains insatiable. Her tiebreak prowess—18 wins out of 19 in 2025, including a record-setting 11-0 in first-set tiebreaks—has become a hallmark of her game, turning what was once a weakness into a weapon. Her growing confidence at the net, bolstered by new coach Max Mirnyi, adds another dimension to her already formidable arsenal.
As Sabalenka prepares to face Rybakina, her Cincinnati campaign is a microcosm of her 2025 season: powerful, resilient, and unapologetically human. Whether she’s smashing serves or savoring a cheesy burger, Sabalenka’s blend of intensity and authenticity makes her a standout in the sport. With the US Open on the horizon, where she’ll defend her 2024 title, Sabalenka’s performance in Cincinnati signals she’s ready to fight for another major crown. For now, though, the Queen City is her stage, and she’s playing to win—both on the court and in the hearts of fans who can’t resist her burger-loving charm.
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