World number one Aryna Sabalenka's preparations for her U.S. Open title defense have hit a significant snag after she was defeated by Czech qualifier Sara Bejlek in the fourth round of the Cincinnati Open. Bejlek secured the unexpected victory with a 7-6 (9-7), 6-4 win.
Sabalenka appeared in control for parts of the match, holding a 5-1 lead in the first-set tiebreak and a 4-1 advantage in the second set. However, Bejlek mounted a comeback in both instances to seal the upset.
This loss puts Sabalenka's position atop the WTA rankings in jeopardy. Elena Rybakina could overtake her if Rybakina reaches the Cincinnati final. Sabalenka is aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to win three consecutive U.S. Open titles. Her lead-up to the New York major, which commences on August 30, has been marked by early exits in both Cincinnati and Toronto. Since achieving the "Sunshine Double" at Indian Wells and Miami in March, Sabalenka has only reached one semifinal, which she lost to Jessica Pegula in Berlin.
For the 20-year-old Bejlek, ranked 35th in the world, this marks her first victory over a top-10 opponent and her maiden WTA 1000 quarter-final appearance. "I totally lost my words. I just keep believing and that was the key today," Bejlek stated after the match. "She played amazing tennis and I was just believing, keep fighting and I was just trying my best and that's it."
Bejlek is scheduled to face former Australian Open champion Madison Keys in the quarter-finals. In the men's event, American Tommy Paul also advanced to the quarterfinals after saving a match point in his victory over top seed Alexander Zverev. Zverev won the first set, but the match was delayed by rain. Paul ultimately prevailed 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-4, setting up a quarter-final clash with Italy's Flavio Cobolli.