Cincinnati Open: Sinner progresses despite multiple interruptions, Sabalenka overcomes Raducanu's challenge
Jannik Sinner overcame
multiple power failures and technical disruptions
to defeat Gabriel Diallo 6-2, 7-6 (8/6) at the ATP and WTA Cincinnati Open on Monday. The top-seeded defending champion faced a challenging match marked by three interruptions, including a power outage, audio system failure, and a blaring fire alarm.
The Italian champion maintained his composure despite the distractions, securing victory in under two hours against the 35th-ranked Canadian. Diallo struggled with eight double-faults in the first set and accumulated 49 unforced errors throughout the match.
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The match was initially disrupted by a widespread power outage that halted play across the grounds for 75 minutes.
Players also dealt with flickering LED screens behind the court.
A second interruption occurred when Sinner led 4-2, as the electronic line-calling system's audio failed. The chair umpire temporarily communicated the algorithm's decisions to players using his tablet while the system rebooted.
"It was a very difficult day at the office," Sinner said. "You have to find the balance against these big servers. I struggled with that at times today.
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But I need tough matches like this, I'm happy I got one before the Grand Slam... I'm happy about today, but I know I can do things better."
In other men's matches, US fourth seed Taylor Fritz defeated Lorenzo Sonego 7-6 (7/4), 7-5 after enduring a one-hour delay following the first set.
"I can play better, but there has been no time to really train and get ready," Fritz said. "I'm looking forward to fine tuning the week before the US Open."
Frances Tiafoe advanced with a victory over Ugo Humbert, while Holger Rune defeated Alex Michelsen in straight sets.
Aryna Sabalenka came through a tough contest against Emma Raducanu at the Cincinnati Open. (Reuters)
In the women's draw, world number one Aryna Sabalenka emerged victorious in a gruelling three-hour match against Emma Raducanu, winning 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 7-6 (7/5).
"I'm happy to get through this difficult match," Sabalenka said. "I just hope tomorrow is a day off. I need time to recover from such a great battle."
The defending champion sealed her victory with two crucial aces in the final moments. The match featured a remarkable 25-minute eighth game in the final set, which included 13 deuces.
"It was all about momentum," Sabalenka said. "I took some risks at the end, went for crazy shots, went to the net."
Raducanu, who received a warning for unauthorised conversations with her new Spanish coach Francisco Roig, remained positive despite the loss.
"I can take lessons from this," Raducanu said. "With work and practice I think I can hold my level higher for longer. She's world number one for a reason. We had a three-hour match and I felt pretty good out there for the most part."
Madison Keys advanced easily in her match against Japan's Aoi Ito, while Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro defeated American wild card Taylor Townsend to set up a Wednesday meeting with Sabalenka.
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