In a swelteringly intense showdown at the 2025 Cincinnati Open, Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and defending champion, etched her name deeper into tennis history by outlasting Emma Raducanu in a third-round epic that stretched three hours and nine minutes. The match, a rematch of their gripping Wimbledon encounter, ended with Sabalenka’s 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(5) victory, sealed by a blazing ace and marked by a record-setting 16th consecutive tiebreak win, breaking the WTA record for the most tiebreaks won in a single season. This pulsating battle, played under Cincinnati’s stifling 32°C heat, showcased Sabalenka’s clutch resilience and Raducanu’s dogged determination, offering fans a glimpse of a rivalry poised to electrify the upcoming US Open.
From the opening serve, the match was a rollercoaster. Raducanu, the 22-year-old British star and 2021 US Open champion, stormed out of the gates, winning the first nine points and earning a break point in the second game. Sabalenka, however, countered with a break of her own, leveling the score before rattling off four consecutive games to seize control. “She played such incredible tennis and she pushed me really hard,” Sabalenka said post-match, her voice tinged with respect for Raducanu’s tenacity. The Brit fought back to 4-4, saving two break points in a gritty hold, but Sabalenka’s tiebreak prowess shone through, clinching the first set 7-3 with precise groundstrokes and a nerveless drop shot.
Raducanu, under the guidance of new coach Francisco Roig, found her rhythm in the second set, landing an impressive 23 of 28 first serves and securing a crucial break in the seventh game. A second-serve ace sealed the set 6-4, forcing a decider. “It’s like a fact-finding match,” Raducanu had said pre-match, viewing the clash as a measure of her progress against the elite. The third set was a war of attrition, epitomized by an extraordinary 23-minute, 13-deuce eighth game where Raducanu saved four break points, her ace down the T drawing roars from the P&G Centre Court crowd. “I’m super happy to see her mentally and physically back, and definitely gonna be back in the top 10 very soon,” Sabalenka predicted, acknowledging Raducanu’s resurgence.
The final tiebreak was a microcosm of the match’s intensity. Sabalenka took an early mini-break, but Raducanu clawed back to 4-4 with a blistering ace. The Belarusian, coached by new consultant Max Mirnyi, leaned on her net play, executing a backhand volley winner to earn two match points. Raducanu saved the first with a wide serve, but Sabalenka’s ace down the T sealed her record-breaking 16th tiebreak win of 2025, surpassing the previous WTA record. “What an atmosphere. My ears are still hurting, honestly. It was super loud!” Sabalenka exclaimed, reflecting on the electric Cincinnati crowd.
Despite the loss, Raducanu’s performance was a beacon of promise. Her 21-10 record in 2025, bolstered by a Washington semifinal and a Miami quarterfinal, signals a climb back to the top 40. Her improved serving—3.64 aces per match—and tactical use of backhand slices tested Sabalenka, who committed 72 unforced errors. “She’s world number one for a reason,” Raducanu reflected, her words carrying both respect and resolve. The match, one of the longest in Cincinnati Open history, highlighted her ability to challenge the best, even if her 3-14 record against top-10 players remains a hurdle.
Sabalenka, with a 24-4 hard-court record in 2025, advances to face Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, carrying momentum from her Miami and Madrid titles. Her ability to win despite subpar form—evident in her 12 break points saved against Marketa Vondrousova in the prior round—underscores her evolution into a relentless competitor. “She challenged me that much, and I like to accept tough challenges,” she said, relishing the hard-court battle. As Raducanu eyes a seeded spot at the US Open, and Sabalenka defends her 2024 title, this Cincinnati classic sets the stage for a thrilling North American swing, with both players proving they thrive under pressure.
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