Aryna Sabalenka Escapes Emma Raducanu in Cincinnati Open

Raducanu had a lead in the first set before Sabalenka battled back to win the tiebreak. However, Raducanu held strong, fending off another comeback in the second set to force a decider. Sabalenka held on to win another tiebreak and escape with a victory.

Sabalenka tallied eight and three double faults. Meanwhile, Raducanu hit ten aces and nine double faults. Sabalenka was 2/8 on break points, while Raducanu was 3/7 in break point opportunities.

Sabalenka hit 46 winners and 72 unforced errors compared to Raducanu's 27 winners and 41 unforced errors.

Both players showed incredible willpower and stamina throughout the three-hour marathon match. After a brutal battle, they hugged at the net. Raducanu falls just short of the biggest win of her career, falling to 0-5 against No.1-ranked players.

After today's match, Raducanu falls to 24-17. She will have just over a week to prepare for the US Open. Sabalenka improves to 49-9 and will face Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the fourth round on Wednesday, August 13.

The Cincinnati Open runs through August 18.