Top Seeds Start Strong

Defending champions Sabalenka, Sinner through to third round of Cincinnati Open

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CINCINNATI — Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka got their title defenses off to smooth starts, as they powered into the third round of the Cincinnati Open on Aug. 9.

The men and women's top seeds, both ranked No. 1 in the world, were both competing for the first time since Wimbledon — where Sinner, 23, lifted the title and Sabalenka, 27, bowed out in the women's semifinals.

Sinner crushed Colombian Daniel Elahi Galan 6-1, 6-1 in steamy afternoon weather, while Sabalenka beat 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova 7-5, 6-1 under the lights.

While Sinner had little trouble, Sabalenka needed 54 minutes and a service break in the final game to clinch the opening set with a stinging winner.

The second set was more of a grind than the score suggested, as she saved five break points for a 4-1 lead and recovered from 0-30 down in the final game before securing the win.

"It's always a tough match against her," Sabalenka said of the Czech opponent she has now beaten five times in nine meetings.