Aryna Sabalenka recorded her seventh consecutive victory in Cincinnati, prevailing over Marketa Vondrousova 7-5, 6-1. The champion was seriously hampered in the first set, but in the second she demonstrated much better physical condition and left no chance for the world No. 59.

The next challenge for Sabalenka will be another Grand Slam champion – Emma Raducanu.

The start was completely equal, with neither opponent achieving a breakthrough for 11 games. Sabalenka showed her usual dynamic and aggressive play, but Vondrousova was solid in defense and counterattacked very well. The status quo was about to be maintained, but at 6-5 the world No. 1 saved a game point and made a breakthrough, with which she ended the set in her favor.

The second half also started off competitively, with both opponents winning their serves convincingly. Sabalenka then picked up the pace and recorded a five-game winning streak, triumphing 7-5, 6-1 after an hour and a half of play.

Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys also advanced to the third round.

The Pole defeated Anastasia Potapova 2-0 in sets, 6-1, 6-4. The Wimbledon champion was in control throughout the match.

In the next round, Swiatek will face Marta Kostyuk, who defeated Tatiana Maria.

Keys, on the other hand, had to make a comeback against Eva Liss, but still won 2-1 in sets, 1-6, 6-3, 7-6(1).

The American will next face Aoi Ito, who surprisingly defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. | BGNES