Aryna Sabalenka vs Emma Raducanu: Cincinnati Open Thriller Sparks Debate Over World No.1's Unstoppable Tiebreak Dominance

World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka edged Emma Raducanu in a dramatic third-round clash at the Cincinnati Open on Monday, winning 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(5) after more than three hours of high-intensity tennis. The match, played in front of a packed centre court, featured two tense tiebreaks, a marathon 13-deuce game in the deciding set, and a display of relentless baseline exchanges from both players. Sabalenka's victory not only secured her place in the last 16 but also extended her record-breaking run of tiebreak wins in the 2025 season.

Cincinnati Open Match Overview

Sabalenka started strongly, taking the first set in a tiebreak to maintain her perfect 11–0 record in first-set tiebreaks this year. Raducanu responded with an aggressive second set, breaking Sabalenka's serve twice to level the match. The deciding set saw momentum swing repeatedly, with Sabalenka saving multiple break points and holding serve during a 13-deuce game that had fans on the edge of their seats. Raducanu even forced a third-set tiebreak, as reported by ESPN, but Sabalenka ultimately prevailed to close out the match, her consistency in pressure situations again proving decisive.

Sabalenka's Tiebreak Dominance

The win marks Sabalenka's 18th tiebreak victory of the season, setting a new Open Era single-year record for women's tennis. Her ability to deliver under pressure has become one of the defining features of her game in 2025. The deciding set, which featured a gruelling 25-minute game that went to 13 deuces, has been highlighted as a defining moment in the match, as reported by The Guardian. Sabalenka's composure in high-stakes points has fuelled discussion across the tennis world about whether any current player can match her mental toughness in crunch moments.

Raducanu's Resurgence

While the loss was disappointing for Raducanu, the match underscored her improved form in recent months. Working with coach Francisco Roig, the British player has shown greater consistency and aggression from the baseline. Taking the World No.1 to two tiebreaks and winning more points in the match points to her growing confidence ahead of the US Open. The performance follows a string of solid wins in Cincinnati and suggests she could be a dangerous unseeded opponent in New York later this month.

On-Court Friction and Human Drama

The match was not without off-court distractions. In a tense moment during the deciding set, Raducanu halted her service motion after being distracted by a crying child in the stands. She approached the umpire to raise the issue, asking if something could be done, prompting a reaction from the crowd. While the incident was quickly resolved, it added another layer of drama to an already intense encounter.

Sabalenka will now face rising Spanish talent Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the next round. The Cincinnati Open is a crucial part of the summer hard-court swing and a key preparation event for the US Open, where Sabalenka will look to defend her 2024 title. The Belarusian remains at the top of the WTA rankings with 12,010 points and a 2025 season record of 47–9.

Raducanu, meanwhile, will turn her focus to New York, where she will aim to build on the momentum from one of her most competitive matches of the year.