Bejlek stuns Sabalenka as Paul survives match point to beat Zverev in Cincinnati

Czech teenager Sara Bejlek produced a gritty performance to defeat world number one Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 (9/7), 6-4 in the Cincinnati Masters. After trailing 5-1 in the first‑set tiebreak, Bejlek rallied to claim the set in just 65 minutes and then broke Sabalenka three times in the second set, turning a 4-1 deficit into a love‑game finish sealed with an ace.

Bejlek’s reaction

"I lost my words, it feels incredible," the 17‑year‑old said after securing her first win over a top‑10 opponent. She added that she was playing on instinct and tried not to be nervous, believing in herself throughout the match.

Bejlek’s triumph sets up a quarter‑final against American Madison Keys.

Paul survives match point to beat Zverev

On the men’s side, Tommy Paul edged Alexander Zverev 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4, surviving a match point in the third set. The German, the tournament’s top seed, saw his second‑set tiebreak interrupted by a 90‑minute rain delay and two additional short pauses. Paul saved a set point at 5-6, broke back to force a decider and recorded his third victory over Zverev in their last four meetings.

Paul will now meet Italian Flavio Cobolli, who survived a three‑set battle against Spain’s Rafael Jodar.

Other notable results

• Canadian second seed Felix Auger‑Aliassime fell to American Frances Tiafoe.
• American sixth seed Taylor Fritz dispatched Australian Chris O'Connell.
• Defending women’s champion Coco Gauff survived eight break points to beat Czech Marie Bouzkova.
• World number one Iga Swiatek needed four match points to defeat Frenchwoman Diane Parry and will meet Elena Rybakina again.

Sabalenka’s loss adds to a recent slump that saw her exit in the fourth round of the Toronto Masters and suffer early defeats at Wimbledon and Roland Garros this year.

Implications for the US Open

With the US Open slated to begin on 30 August, the Cincinnati outcomes serve as a reminder that rankings offer no guarantee in the season’s final swing. Lower‑ranked players such as Bejlek and Paul have gained confidence, while top seeds must regroup ahead of the hard‑court Grand Slam.