CINCINNATI : Defending champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka have wasted no time in making their mark on the Cincinnati Open, sending a clear message to their rivals: they’re here to win again. Both stars kicked off their title defense campaigns with convincing victories, setting the stage for a fascinating week at one of the season’s key hardcourt stops.
Fresh off his Wimbledon triumph, Italian ace Sinner steamrolled Colombian qualifier Daniel Galan 6-1, 6-1, wrapping up the match in a lightning-fast 59 minutes—the quickest ATP win of his career. With this victory, Sinner has stretched his hardcourt winning streak to 22 matches, cementing his reputation as one of the game’s most formidable forces in the US Open lead-up. Sinner remarked after the match that Cincinnati’s faster playing conditions demand precision from the servers, a challenge he seems well-equipped to meet.
On the women’s side, world number one Aryna Sabalenka showed grit and experience in her opening test against Marketa Vondrousova. Sabalenka saved multiple break points before clinching a 7-5, 6-1 win, crediting her confidence and decisive play in high-pressure moments. The Belarusian, a Wimbledon semifinalist this year, is set to face Emma Raducanu in the next round—a matchup certain to attract attention.
Elsewhere, Poland’s Iga Swiatek and local favorite Madison Keys also advanced, while the tournament saw upsets with seeds like Casper Ruud and Lorenzo Musetti exiting early. The unpredictable nature of this year’s draw raises a tantalizing question: Will Sinner and Sabalenka hold on to their crowns in the face of rising stars and seasoned contenders?
Fans can expect more fireworks and drama as the tournament progresses—will youthfulness, experience, or nerves prove the deciding factor in Cincinnati this time around? One thing’s certain: The defending champions are bringing their best, and the chase for the trophy is officially on.
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