Cincinnati: Defending champions Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka secured their spots in the quarter-finals of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open with straight-set victories, despite disruptions due to rain.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sinner faced a nearly three-hour rain delay but managed to clinch a 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) win against Adrian Mannarino. He will next compete against Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, who defeated Benjamin Bonzi 6-4, 6-3.
Sabalenka, who previously faced a challenging three-set match against Emma Raducanu, overcame Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-1, 7-5. This victory marked her 50th win of the 2025 season and her 29th quarter-final at the 1000 level. Despite losing a break in the second set, Sabalenka regained control to secure the match, expressing satisfaction at winning in straight sets.
World number one Sinner, fresh from his Wimbledon victory, extended his hardcourt winning streak to 24 matches, advancing to his fifth quarter-final of the season. The Italian spent part of the rain delay playing cards with his team, showing patience before returning to complete his win. Sinner highlighted the challenge posed by Mannarino’s unique playing style, emphasizing his relief at advancing.
Elsewhere, former Cincinnati champion Alexander Zverev completed a weather-interrupted match against Brandon Nakashima, winning 6-4, 6-4. Zverev is set to face Karen Khachanov in the next round.
Fifth seed Ben Shelton continued his strong form with a 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 victory over Roberto Bautista Agut, moving into the fourth round.
In women’s action, third seed Iga Swiatek battled through 33 unforced errors to defeat Sorana Cirstea 6-4, 6-3, while men’s seventh seed Holger Rune advanced after Frances Tiafoe retired due to a back injury. Rune’s win marked his 100th career hard-court victory.
Additionally, Magda Linette upset fourth-seeded Jessica Pegula 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 6-3 to reach the fourth round for the first time in Cincinnati.