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New Straits Times
12 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Defending champs Sinner, Sabalenka make winning starts in Cincinnati
CINCINNATI: Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka got their title defenses off to smooth starts as they powered into the third round of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open on Saturday. The men's and women's top seeds, each ranked number one in the world, were both competing for the first time since Wimbledon – where Sinner lifted the title and as Sabalenka bowed out in the women's semi-finals. Sinner crushed Colombian Daniel Elahi Galan 6-1, 6-1 in steamy afternoon weather while Sabalenka beat 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova 7-5, 6-1 under the lights of the night session. Sabalenka needed 54 minutes and a service break in the final game to clinch the opening set with a stinging winner. The second set was more of a grind than the score suggested as she saved five break points for a 4-1 lead and recovered from 0-30 down in the final game before securing the win. "It's always a tough match against her," Sabalenka said of the Czech opponent she has faced nine times. "She pushed me to the limit. If you lose focus even a little bit it can cost you a set. I had to fight for every point against her," added Sabalenka, who next faces Britain's Emma Raducanu, a 6-3, 6-2 winner over Olga Danilovic. Meanwhile Sinner outclassed Colombia's Galan with 17 winners and just four unforced errors. Sinner won the opening five games in 15 minutes as he allowed his 144th-ranked opponent, who came through qualifying, little breathing room. The victory in 59 minutes was the fastest of Sinner's ATP career, beating his previous quickest by one minute. Sinner claimed his 22nd consecutive win on hardcourt, last losing the Beijing final in September to rival Carlos Alcaraz. "I didn't know what to expect," Sinner said of his return to tournament action. "I'm happy because it's not easy to play here. "The ball is flying and you have to serve very precise if you want to go far in the tournament. "Today I was finding my spots but there is still a little room to improve. For a first match it could not have gone better." After snapping up the first set Sinner broke to start the second before Galan clawed out a hold in a seven-minute game in which he fought off five break points. But it was only a momentary reprieve. Sinner fired three aces to hold for 3-1 as he roared away again for the victory. Fourth-seeded American Taylor Fritz eased past qualifier Emlilio Nava 6-4, 6-4 and seventh-seeded Holger Rune won his opener 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) over Russian Roman Safiullin. But eighth-seeded Lorenzo Musetti and 11th-seeded Casper Ruud bowed out to French opponents. Benjamin Bonzi defeated Musetti 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) while Artur Rinderknech beat Ruud 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 6-2 – taking full advantage of Ruud's 34 unforced errors. Rinderknech was pleased with his success so far at his Cincinnati debut. "I stayed aggressive throughout the match," he said. "You cannot let Casper start to dictate." In other women's action, reigning Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek earned an efficient opening win over Anastasia Potapova 6-1, 6-4. Poland's Swiatek has reached the final four at the last two editions but Cincinnati remains one of the two 1000-level tournaments – along with Canada – where she has never played a final. The third seed moved into the third round in just 74 minutes, saving four of the five break points she faced. "I wanted to play solid - but intense as well," Swiatek said. "It was up and down in the second set. But in the important moments I got my level up to close out the win." Australian Open winner Madison Keys needed more than two hours to advance with a 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/1) over German Eva Lys, saving two match points at 5-6 in the deciding set.--AFP
Straits Times
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Defending champs Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka make winning starts in Cincinnati
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Jannik Sinner returns a shot to Daniel Elahi Galan of Colombia during the Cincinnati Open. CINCINNATI – Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka got their title defences off to smooth starts, as they powered into the third round of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open on Saturday. The men's and women's top seeds, each ranked No. 1 in the world, were both competing for the first time since Wimbledon – where Sinner lifted the title and Sabalenka bowed out in the women's semi-finals. Sinner crushed Colombian Daniel Elahi Galan 6-1, 6-1 in steamy afternoon weather, while Sabalenka beat 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova 7-5, 6-1 under the lights of the night session. While Sinner had little trouble, Sabalenka needed 54 minutes and a service break in the final game to clinch the opening set with a stinging winner. The second set was more of a grind than the score suggested, as she saved five break points for a 4-1 lead and recovered from 0-30 down in the final game before securing the win. 'It's always a tough match against her,' Sabalenka said of the Czech opponent she has faced nine times. 'She pushed me to the limit. If you lose focus even a little bit it can cost you a set. I had to fight for every point against her,' added the Belarusian, who next faces Britain's Emma Raducanu, a 6-3, 6-2 winner over Olga Danilovic. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Four men arrested in Bukit Timah believed to be linked to housebreaking syndicates Singapore Criminal trial of Hyflux founder Olivia Lum and five others starts Aug 11 Singapore Profile of Kpod user has shifted from hardcore drug users to young people: Experts Tech Former data analyst creates AI tutor that assesses students based on Singapore schools' criteria Opinion Recognising our imperfections is part of what makes Singapore whole Opinion I used to be impatient. Then I became a granddad Business The risks of using 'decoupling' to own two properties Asia Manila struggles to keep a lasting hawker culture, casts eyes on how Asian nations lifted street food Meanwhile, Sinner outclassed Galan with 17 winners and just four unforced errors. The Italian won the opening five games in 15 minutes as he allowed his 144th-ranked opponent, who came through qualifying, little breathing room. The victory in 59 minutes was the fastest of Sinner's ATP career, beating his previous quickest by one minute. He claimed his 22nd consecutive win on hardcourt, last losing the Beijing final in September to rival Carlos Alcaraz of Spain. 'I didn't know what to expect,' Sinner said of his return to tournament action. 'I'm happy because it's not easy to play here. 'The ball is flying and you have to serve very precise if you want to go far in the tournament. Today I was finding my spots but there is still a little room to improve. For a first match it could not have gone better.' After snapping up the first set, Sinner broke to start the second before Galan clawed out a hold in a seven-minute game in which he fought off five break points. But it was only a momentary reprieve as Sinner fired three aces to hold for 3-1 as he roared away again for the victory. Elsewhere, eighth-seeded Lorenz Musetti and 11th-seeded Casper Ruud bowed out to French opponents. Benjamin Bonzi defeated Musetti 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) while Artur Rinderknech beat Ruud 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-2 – taking full advantage of Ruud's 34 unforced errors. Rinderknech was pleased with his success so far at his Cincinnati debut. 'I stayed aggressive throughout the match,' he said. 'You cannot let Casper start to dictate.' Seventh seed Holger Rune won his opener 7-5, 7-6 (7-5) over Russian Roman Safiullin and will next play American Alex Michelsen, who defeated Corentin Moutet of France 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. In other women's action, reigning Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek earned an efficient opening win over Anastasia Potapova 6-1, 6-4. Polish star Swiatek has reached the final four at the last two editions but Cincinnati remains one of the two 1000-level tournaments – along with Canada – where she has never played a final. The third seed moved into the third round in just 74 minutes, saving four of the five break points she faced. 'I wanted to play solid – but intense as well,' Swiatek said. 'It was up and down in the second set. But in the important moments I got my level up to close out the win.' Australian Open winner Madison Keys needed more than two hours to advance with a 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-1) over German Eva Lys, saving two match points at 5-6 in the deciding set. AFP
Express Tribune
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Toronto champion Shelton to start Cincy
Newly minted Toronto Masters champion Ben Shelton will open his account at the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open against Camilo Ugo Carabelli after the Argentine defeated Kei Nishikori 7-5, 6-3 on Friday. World number seven Shelton arrived in the American Midwest on a private jet after winning his first Masters 1000 title in Toronto on Thursday night and will make his start after a first-round bye in the final major tune-up before the US Open begins on August 25. The 47th-ranked Ugo Carabelli dominated 2014 US Open finalist Nishikori as the former top Asian in tennis succumbed to 42 unforced errors and lost serve five times. The Japanese player was competing for the first time since retiring injured at Geneva in mid-May. Ugo Carabelli has played his best on clay, reaching four semi-finals on the dirt this season. As Cincinnati fifth seed and with confidence still strong, the 22-year-old Shelton could be a formidable contender for a pre-Open title double. "I hope that this (Toronto) week kick starts me and gets me more consistent with the type of tennis that I want to play day-in and day-out," he said in Canada. "It's certainly going to push me to work harder. I feel like I have a good grasp now on the things that really work for me against guys who are playing some of the best tennis in the world, and the things that I need to continue to work on." Back-to-back events running 12 days each might be a fitness wild card as the bloated schedules of the ATP-WTA tournaments become commonplace. Fellow top 10 players including Novak Djokovic -- who is skipping Cincinnati -- Alex de Minaur and world number one Jannik Sinner have all come out in favor of the old school one-week tournament format. Borna Coric, who was ranked 152nd when he won the title in 2022, fell at the first hurdle, a 6-3, 7-5 victim of American qualifier Emilio Nava. Coric has lost all six of his ATP-level matches in 2025, winning his last in December at the United Cup in Australia.
Mint
a day ago
- Sport
- Mint
Jannik Sinner beats Daniel Elahi Galan in straight sets at Cincinnati Open to register dominant win
World no. 1 Jannik Sinner made a thunderous statement at the Cincinnati Open, crushing Daniel Elahi Galan 6-1, 6-1 in a 59-minute match to begin his title defense. Fresh off his Wimbledon triumph, Sinner showed no signs of rust, adapting seamlessly to the hard courts in his first tournament since defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final. The Italian's performance was a masterclass in precision and power, setting the tone for a promising run at the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open. Jannik Sinner's match against Galan, ranked World No. 144, was a one-sided affair. The 23-year-old Italian won the first five games in just 15 minutes, leaving his opponent with little room to breathe. 'I didn't know what to expect,' Sinner admitted post-match. 'I am happy because it's not easy to play here. The ball is flying, and you have to serve very precisely if you want to go far in the tournament.' Notably, his serve was indeed pinpoint, with three aces and a break to start the second set, securing the fastest ATP win of his career. Jannik Sinner's 22nd consecutive hard-court victory highlights his dominance on the surface. His last loss came in the Beijing final to Alcaraz in September, and since his Cincinnati title win last year, Sinner boasts an impressive 48-2 record in major tournaments. Sinner, with his eyes on retaining the title, remains a formidable force. 'For a first match, it could not have gone better,' he said. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on whether he can maintain this relentless form. Jannik Sinner's next challenge is a round of 32 clash against Gabriel Diallo. On the women's side, reigning Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek delivered a strong performance, defeating Anastasia Potapova 6-1, 6-4 in 74 minutes. The third seed, who has reached the semifinals in Cincinnati the past two years, saved four of five break points. 'The first match at any tournament is always tricky,' Swiatek noted. 'I wanted to play solid - but intense as well.' Her efficient win sets her up for a third-round appearance as she chases her first Cincinnati final.
Al-Ahram Weekly
a day ago
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Tennis: Sinner storms to quick-fire opening win in Cincinnati - Omni sports
Jannik Sinner, back on court nearly a month after his Wimbledon triumph, crushed Colombian Daniel Elahi Galan in his opening match at the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open on Saturday. The world number one got immediately back in the swing with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over the out-classed Colombian. Sinner won the opening five games in 15 minutes as he allowed his 144th-ranked opponent, who came through qualifying, little breathing rom. The victory in 59 minutes was the fastest of Sinner's ATP career, beating his previous quickest by one minute. The defending champion claimed his 22nd consecutive win on hardcourt, last losing the Beijing final in September to rival Carlos Alcaraz. "I didn't know what to expect," Sinner said of his return to tournament action. "I'm happy because it's not easy to play here. "The ball is flying and you have to serve very precise if you want to go far in the tournament. "Today I was finding my spots but there is still a little room to improve. For a first match it could not have gone better." After snapping up the first set Sinner broke to start the second before Galan clawed out a hold in a seven-minute game in which he fought off five break points. But it was only a momentary reprieve. Sinner fired three aces to hold for 3-1 as he roared away again for the victory. Elsewhere 11th-seeded Casper Ruud bowed out, falling 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 6-2 to France's Arthur Rinderknech. Norway's Ruud fell victim to 34 unforced errors and lost serve four times as he failed to stop the comeback of his 70th-ranked opponent, who advanced in just under two and three-quarter hours. Italian eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti was also sent packing, beaten 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) by France's Benjamin Bonzi. Rinderknech was pleased with his success so far at his Cincinnati debut. "I stayed aggressive throughout the match," he said. "You cannot let Casper start to dictate. I knew I would have to run a lot. There were some missed shots but I just kept going for it. "My game seems to be working better and better as I play more matches," added Rinderknech, who saved eight of the nine break points he faced. Seventh seed Holger Rune won his opener 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) over Russian Roman Safiullin and will next play American Alex Michelsen, who defeated Corentin Moutet of France 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Tommy Paul, seeded 13th and inactive since a Wimbledon second round loss, started up with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Spain's Pedro Martinez. Swiatek eases through In WTA action, reigning Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek earned an efficient opening win over Anastasia Potapova 6-1, 6-4. Poland's Swiatek has reached the final four at the last two editions but Cincinnati remains one of the two 1000-level tournaments -- along with Canada -- where she has never played a final. The third seed moved into the third round after a bye in just 74 minutes, saving four of the five break points she faced. "I wanted to play solid - but intense as well," Swiatek said. "It was up and down in the second set. "But in the important moments I got my level up to close out the win. "The first match at any tournament is always tricky," Swiatek added. "Now I have the chance to play another one here." (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
