Overview

• Sabalenka defeated Raducanu 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(5) in a three-hour, nine-minute match, clinching the final-set tiebreak to reach the Cincinnati quarterfinals.
• The world No. 1 credited tactical adjustments from consultant Max Mirnyi for giving her the confidence to come forward and shorten points with aggressive volleys.
• She followed up the Raducanu win with a 6-1, 7-5 victory over Jessica Bouzas Maneiro to secure her spot in the Cincinnati Open quarterfinals.
• Emma Raducanu said she ‘feels different’ under new coach Francisco Roig and highlighted growing confidence after pushing Sabalenka to the brink.
• Coaches and analysts see Sabalenka’s net-focused strategy as a key evolution to counter players like Coco Gauff as she defends her US Open crown.