Sara Bejlek stunned world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the fourth round of the Cincinnati Open, winning 7-6 (9-7), 6-4 late on August 19, with the match finishing shortly after midnight on August 20 [1, 2, 3, 4]. Sabalenka, the top seed, squandered a 5-1 lead in the first-set tiebreak and a 4-1 advantage in the second set as Bejlek mounted a comeback to seize victory [1, 2, 3, 4].
The 35th-ranked Bejlek notched her first victory over a top-10 player and secured her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal appearance. "I totally lost my words. I just keep believing and that was the key today," Bejlek said after the upset [1]. She also stated, "I lost my words – it feels incredible," reflecting her shock and joy at the big breakthrough [2, 3, 4].
Bejlek will face Madison Keys in the Cincinnati Open quarterfinals, aiming to extend her run [1, 2, 3, 4]. Meanwhile, Sabalenka has endured a difficult build-up to the US Open, suffering early exits in Toronto, Wimbledon, and Roland Garros recently [1, 2, 3, 4].
In men's action, American Tommy Paul upset top seed Alexander Zverev in a rain-affected fourth-round match. Paul saved a match point to win 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-4. The match featured a 90-minute rain delay in the second set and additional short interruptions for court drying [1, 2]. Paul said, "I’m not sure how I did it. I put some returns in, he gave me some looks at second serves and he threw in a few doubles (faults). That always helps a tonne" [2].
The US Open begins on August 30, where Sabalenka will defend her title and try for a third consecutive Grand Slam win [1, 2, 3, 4].
