Sabalenka and Zverev Stunned as Cincinnati Masters Produces Major Upsets

Posted : 20 August 2026

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and top men's seed Alexander Zverev were both eliminated from the Cincinnati Masters on a dramatic, rain-interrupted Wednesday.

American Tommy Paul produced one of the biggest results on the men's side, recovering from a set down to defeat French Open champion Zverev 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4. Paul saved a match point in the second-set tiebreak before completing the comeback.

The match was repeatedly disrupted by rain, including a lengthy stoppage during the second set. Zverev had opportunities to finish the contest but could not convert them, while Paul raised his level at crucial moments to secure his third victory over the German in their last four meetings. He will meet Flavio Cobolli in the quarterfinals.

The biggest surprise came in the women's draw, where 35th-ranked Czech Sara Bejlek stunned Sabalenka 7-6 (9/7), 6-4. The 20-year-old recovered from a 5-1 deficit in the opening-set tiebreak before taking control of the match.

Sabalenka again appeared vulnerable in the second set after moving ahead 4-1. Bejlek responded by winning five consecutive games and completed the biggest victory of her career with a love service game finished by an ace. The result marked Bejlek's first win against a top-10 opponent and sent her into her maiden WTA 1000 quarterfinal, where she will face Madison Keys.

Sabalenka's defeat adds to a difficult period heading into the US Open. She was also knocked out in the fourth round in Toronto last week, while her recent Grand Slam results include fourth-round exits at Wimbledon and the quarterfinals at Roland Garros. The Cincinnati loss also puts her No. 1 ranking under pressure, with Elena Rybakina capable of overtaking her by reaching the final.

Elsewhere in the men's competition, Frances Tiafoe defeated second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-4, while sixth seed Taylor Fritz advanced with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Australia's Chris O'Connell.

Arthur Fils also continued his impressive tournament by beating fifth seed Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-4. Thiago Tirante, who had already stunned Novak Djokovic earlier in the tournament, reached his first Masters 1000 quarterfinal after overcoming Jakub Mensik 5-7, 6-4, 6-4.

In the women's draw, defending champion Iga Swiatek advanced after defeating Diane Parry 6-3, 6-3. The seventh seed will now meet Rybakina in a repeat of last week's Toronto final.

Coco Gauff also progressed comfortably, defeating Marie Bouzkova 6-3, 6-2. Meanwhile, Marta Kostyuk came from a set down to beat reigning French Open champion Mirra Andreeva 4-6, 6-0, 6-2, while Amanda Anisimova eliminated Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova 6-1, 6-4.

Sabalenka and Zverev Stunned as Cincinnati Masters Produces Major Upsets

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