Top seeds Sabalenka and Zverev suffer shock Cincinnati Open exits
World number one Aryna Sabalenka and men’s top seed Alexander Zverev have suffered shock last-16 defeats at the Cincinnati Open.
The four-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka was stunned in straight sets by 35th-ranked Czech prospect Sara Bejlek.
Bejlek mounted an astonishing comeback in the opening-set tiebreaker from 5-1 down, before rallying from a 4-1 deficit in the second to secure a 7-6 6-4 victory.
This remarkable two-hour triumph marks the unseeded 20-year-old’s first career win over a top-10 opponent on the WTA Tour.
“I feel incredible. I lost totally my words. I just kept believing and that was the key today.”
Sara Bejlek
Rybakina eyes top spot as Gauff cruises
Following the Belarusian’s unexpected departure, Elena Rybakina now has the opportunity to claim the world number one ranking if she reaches the tournament final.
Meanwhile, home favourite Coco Gauff comfortably bypassed the upsets with a commanding performance against Marie Bouzkova.
The fourth seed dispatched her 22nd-seeded Czech opponent 6-3 6-2 in a breathless 93-minute display.
The former US Open champion will next face Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk for a coveted place in the semi-finals.
Paul completes stunning comeback against Zverev
In the men’s draw, Tommy Paul saved a match point during a gripping 4-6 7-6 6-4 victory over top seed Zverev.
The German Olympic gold medallist had established a one-set advantage and trailed 3-4 in the second when a 90-minute rain delay halted proceedings.
Paul emerged from the suspension revitalised, fending off elimination before overpowering a struggling Zverev to force a deciding set.
Despite falling 4-2 behind in the final set, the resilient American claimed four consecutive games to reach the Cincinnati quarter-finals for the very first time.
Tiafoe hits milestone in Auger-Aliassime upset
Frances Tiafoe ensured further home success by producing a highly composed 6-4 6-4 upset against second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime.
The 28-year-old’s straight-sets victory secures his second ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final appearance of the season.
Tiafoe will now meet Lorenzo Musetti, who comfortably defeated Jaime Faria 7-5 6-2 in just 75 minutes.