In a match that will linger in the memories of tennis fans, Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one, showcased her unrelenting spirit to outlast Emma Raducanu in a gripping third-round clash at the Cincinnati Open. The three-hour, nine-minute epic, played under the sweltering Ohio sun on August 11, 2025, was a testament to both players’ resilience, with Sabalenka emerging victorious 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(5) in a contest that pushed them to their physical and mental limits. This rematch of their intense Wimbledon encounter last month captivated spectators, as Raducanu’s tenacity challenged the defending champion’s dominance, culminating in a heartfelt embrace at the net that spoke volumes about their mutual respect.
Sabalenka, the 27-year-old Belarusian powerhouse, entered Cincinnati fresh off a commanding 7-5, 6-1 win over Marketa Vondrousova, her first match since a Wimbledon semifinal loss. Known for her thunderous groundstrokes and formidable serve, which reached speeds of 124 mph in this match, Sabalenka faced a formidable test in Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion. The Briton, seeded 30th and revitalized under new coach Francisco Roig, had cruised past Olga Danilovic in the second round, signaling her return to form. “It’s always exciting for a player like me to play the very top, because it’s like a fact-finding match,” Raducanu said before the match, viewing the clash as a chance to measure herself against the WTA’s best. Her performance proved she’s closing the gap, pushing Sabalenka to the brink in a match defined by marathon rallies and dramatic momentum swings.
The first set was a seesaw battle, with both players trading breaks and showcasing their offensive prowess. Raducanu’s aggressive returns created early pressure, but Sabalenka’s tie-break expertise—boasting a 15-match winning streak in such scenarios—shone through as she clinched the set with a 7-3 scoreline, firing two aces to seal it. Undeterred, Raducanu roared back in the second set, leveraging her impeccable serving to take it 6-4. Her ability to hold serve under pressure, especially in a 22-minute game featuring 13 deuces in the third set, left the crowd in awe. “After 13 deuces, Emma Raducanu holds her service game against Aryna Sabalenka to force a thrilling conclusion in Cincinnati!” one observer noted, capturing the intensity of the moment as Raducanu saved four break points with a mix of aces and unreturnable serves.
The deciding set was a masterclass in endurance. At 4-4, Raducanu’s epic hold after those 13 deuces electrified the P&G Center Court, with the crowd rising to applaud her grit. Yet, Sabalenka’s relentless power and tactical nous prevailed in the final tie-break. Leading 5-4, she unleashed a world-class point, fizzing groundstrokes into the corners before rushing the net for a backhand volley winner, earning two match points. Raducanu saved the first with a rare wide serve ace, but Sabalenka sealed the victory with a booming ace down the T, collapsing in relief as she raised both hands in triumph. “Sealed with an ace! 💥 Aryna Sabalenka defeats Emma Raducanu 7-6(3) 4-6 7-6(5) in three hours and nine minutes 💪,” one commentator exclaimed, encapsulating the match’s intensity.
For Raducanu, the defeat was bittersweet but brimming with promise. Her performance, just two months after a tight Wimbledon loss to Sabalenka (7-6(6), 6-事先
System: 4), underscored her ability to compete with the elite. “It’s hard to take a loss like that but at the same time I’ve pushed Aryna, who is number one and a great champion, so I have to be proud,” Raducanu reflected post-match, echoing her sentiments from Wimbledon. Her provisional top-32 ranking, boosted by injuries to players like Zheng Qinwen and Paula Badosa, sets her up for a potential seeding at the US Open, where she won the title in 2021.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, advances to the fourth round, her sights set on defending her Cincinnati title and building momentum for the US Open. Her 2025 hard-court record stands at an impressive 24-4, and with new coach Max Mirnyi in her corner, she’s honing her net play to complement her baseline dominance. The post-match hug, described as a “big hug at the net” that spoke of their respect, highlighted the sportsmanship between these fierce competitors.
This match was more than a contest of skill—it was a showcase of heart, determination, and the evolving rivalry between two of tennis’s brightest stars. As Raducanu prepares for New York and Sabalenka eyes another major, their Cincinnati epic has set the stage for an electrifying US Open.
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