In a match that will be remembered as one of the standout clashes of the 2025 Cincinnati Open, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka emerged victorious over Britain’s Emma Raducanu in a gripping third-round encounter on August 11, 2025. The three-hour, nine-minute thriller, which ended 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(5), showcased the resilience and skill of both players under sweltering 32°C heat. Sabalenka, the defending champion, delivered a candid and heartfelt assessment of Raducanu’s performance, signaling her belief in the 22-year-old’s potential to reclaim a spot among the WTA’s elite. The match, a rematch of their intense Wimbledon clash earlier this year, underscored Raducanu’s resurgence and Sabalenka’s ability to thrive in high-pressure moments.
The contest began with Raducanu racing out of the gates, winning the first eight points and earning an early break point. However, Sabalenka, known for her formidable power and mental toughness, responded by breaking back and seizing control, rattling off four consecutive games. The first set culminated in a tiebreak, where Sabalenka’s precision shone, winning 7-3 after Raducanu’s second serve faltered. “I served and returned really well in certain moments,” Raducanu reflected post-match, highlighting her ability to compete with the best despite losing the set. The Briton, coached by Rafael Nadal’s former mentor Francisco Roig, regrouped impressively in the second set, landing 82% of her first serves and breaking Sabalenka to level the match with a second-serve ace. “You’re better than her,” Roig encouraged during a break, a mantra that fueled Raducanu’s tenacity.
The third set was a testament to both players’ endurance, with no breaks of serve and a 22-minute, 13-deuce game at 3-4 that saw Raducanu save four break points. “I was able to play some good tennis for patches of the match,” Raducanu said, acknowledging her consistency against a player who has won three Grand Slams. Sabalenka, despite 72 unforced errors, leaned on her net play, guided by new coach Max Mirnyi, to secure the decisive tiebreak. “It was very complicated and it was all about momentum and taking risks,” Sabalenka explained in her on-court interview. “I went to the net and tried some bold shots on the important points to put pressure on her, and it paid off.” Her backhand volley to earn two match points was a highlight, with an ace sealing the victory.
Sabalenka’s post-match comments were filled with admiration for Raducanu, who she believes is on the cusp of a major comeback. “I’m happy to see her healthy—mentally and physically,” Sabalenka said. “Every time she is improving, and I can see she is getting back to her best. I’m enjoying fighting against her—she is such an incredible player.” These words echo her sentiments after their Wimbledon match, where she predicted Raducanu’s return to the top 10. “She challenged me that much, and I like to accept tough challenges,” Sabalenka added, reflecting on the Briton’s ability to push her to the limit. The mutual respect was evident in their warm embrace at the net, a moment that captured the sportsmanship between two fierce competitors.
Raducanu, now ranked No. 33 and seeded 30th in Cincinnati due to withdrawals, showed why she’s a contender for a deep run at the upcoming US Open, where she won as a qualifier in 2021. Her performance, including a straight-sets win over Olga Danilovic in the second round, signals a revival after years of injury setbacks. “I pushed her more than I did at Wimbledon, so that’s an improvement,” Raducanu noted, emphasizing her progress. However, her 3-14 record against top-10 players remains a hurdle, with Sabalenka now 3-0 against her. “You take the lessons from this,” she said. “With work and going on the practice court, I can do it for longer and hold the level high for longer.”
For Sabalenka, the win marked her 18th tiebreak victory of 2025, an Open Era record, and her 49th match win of the season. “I played so many matches this season, so I’m quite experienced to handle those key moments,” she said, crediting her ability to go for broke without doubting her decisions. As she advances to face Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the fourth round, Sabalenka remains a leading contender, while Raducanu heads to New York with renewed confidence. This Cincinnati classic, filled with momentum swings and breathtaking rallies, has set the stage for an exciting US Open, where both players could make significant waves.
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