In one of the most gripping matches of the 2025 Cincinnati Open so far, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka overcame a spirited challenge from Emma Raducanu to book her place in the quarterfinals. The Belarusian survived a marathon three-hour, nine-minute duel, edging out the Briton 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(5) in a contest that had everything: power, precision, drama, and mental resilience.
A Battle That Began on Even Footing
From the opening exchanges, it was clear this was going to be a long night for both players. Sabalenka unleashed her trademark heavy hitting, but Raducanu met her head-on, redirecting pace and defending with intelligence. The first set was a tense affair with neither player managing to secure a break of serve. Sabalenka’s aggressive baseline play gave her the edge in the tie-break, which she won 7-3, maintaining her season’s flawless record in breakers.
Raducanu Fights Back
Far from discouraged, Raducanu came out in the second set determined to make her mark. She adjusted her positioning on return, absorbed Sabalenka’s power, and mixed in clever changes of pace to disrupt her opponent’s rhythm. Her persistence paid off in the seventh game, where she broke Sabalenka’s serve and consolidated the advantage to seal the set 6-4.
By this point, the match had become a test not just of physical endurance but also of mental adaptability. Raducanu’s growing confidence hinted at a possible upset.
The Deciding Set’s Defining Moment
The third set will be remembered for one extraordinary game at 4-3 on Raducanu’s serve—a game that will go down as one of the most grueling in Cincinnati Open history. Over 23 minutes and 13 deuces, Raducanu faced four break points. Each time, she found an answer—whether with a blistering forehand winner, a precise drop shot, or a clutch second serve under pressure.
The crowd, sensing the significance of the moment, erupted with every point Raducanu saved. By the time she finally held serve, she had “won the battle” within the broader match—a psychological triumph that seemed capable of swinging momentum fully in her favor.
Sabalenka’s Champion Mentality
However, Aryna Sabalenka is not the World No. 1 by accident. Losing such a long, emotionally draining game could have rattled many players, but she responded with the composure of a champion. In the very next game, Sabalenka held serve to love, instantly erasing any hint of frustration.
The match inevitably reached its climax in another tie-break, where Sabalenka’s powerful first serve and flat, penetrating groundstrokes gave her the early initiative. Raducanu fought back to 5-6, saving one match point with a bold backhand winner, but on the second, Sabalenka struck a forehand into the corner to clinch the victory.
This win extended her remarkable streak to 16 consecutive tiebreak victories, underlining her status as one of the tour’s most mentally resilient competitors.
The Numbers Behind the Drama
Interestingly, Raducanu actually won more total points than Sabalenka—125 to 122—a rare occurrence in a losing effort. The stat sheet reflected how fine the margins were:
- Break Points Saved: Raducanu saved all four in the marathon game, while Sabalenka fended off several key threats herself.
- Unforced Errors: Sabalenka finished with 72, a byproduct of her aggressive playing style.
- Winners: Both players produced a flurry of clean winners, often in pressure situations.
These figures highlight that the difference between victory and defeat came down to execution in the most critical moments.
Raducanu’s Takeaways
For Emma Raducanu, this match was more than just a close loss—it was a statement performance. Against the top-ranked player in the world, she demonstrated that she could withstand sustained pressure and still produce her best tennis in the tensest of situations. The way she navigated that 23-minute service game, holding her nerve and refusing to yield, was a testament to her growing maturity as a competitor.
Though she leaves Cincinnati without advancing further, her performance will likely boost her confidence heading into the US Open. Matches like this—against elite opponents on big stages—can be turning points in a player’s development.
Sabalenka’s Perspective
Speaking after the match, Sabalenka acknowledged the enormity of the challenge Raducanu presented.
“That was one of the toughest battles I’ve had all year,” she said. “Emma played unbelievable tennis. I had to stay in the moment, keep fighting, and trust my game—especially after that crazy game she held.”
For Sabalenka, the ability to rebound from the emotional dip of losing that marathon game and still close out the match showed the mental steel that has defined her season.
Why This Match Stood Out
This encounter encapsulated everything fans love about tennis:
- Physical Intensity: Long rallies, explosive movement, and relentless hitting from both sides.
- Mental Chess: Tactical adjustments, momentum swings, and psychological resilience on full display.
- Crowd Energy: Every point in the marathon game and both tie-breaks was met with roars, creating a theatre-like atmosphere.
The phrase “Emma won the battle, but Aryna won the war” has never been more apt. Raducanu’s heroic hold may be the single moment most remember, but Sabalenka’s ability to take the final point ensured she walked away with the ultimate prize—progression to the next round.
Looking Forward
With this victory, Sabalenka advances to the quarterfinals, where she will be buoyed by the knowledge that she can survive even the most draining contests. For Raducanu, the loss will sting, but the experience and self-belief gained could prove invaluable in the weeks ahead. In a sport where matches can hinge on a handful of points, this one was a vivid reminder that resilience, belief, and composure often matter as much as shot-making. Sabalenka proved she had all three in abundance—and on this night in Cincinnati, that made all the difference.
