The world number one needed six match points, Australia’s Gibson saving five in the 12th game of the second set before Sabalenka managed a final winner to get the job done in just under two hours on a windswept Grandstand Court. “”Talia played great tennis and was more aggressive in the second set. Top seed Aryna Sabalenka fought through 6-2, 7-6 (7/2) against Talia Gibson on Sunday to join two other elites in the third round of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters.
“I’m super tired, this is crazy weather,” the Belarusian said.
Andreeva Dominates; Auger-Aliassime Returns to Form
Mirra Andreeva showcased her prowess by decisively defeating Oleksandra Oliynykova, losing only one game in a swift 65-minute match, concluding with a score of 6-1, 6-0. Andreeva achieved five breaks of serve and successfully saved all seven break points against her own serve.
In contrast, Felix Auger-Aliassime was competing for the first time since a five-set loss to Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon quarter-finals nearly six weeks ago. He faced a challenge against his Greek opponent, ranked 49th, who was broken three times in the second set. Auger-Aliassime sealed the match with his seventh ace on match point.
