Sabalenka stunned by unseeded Bejlek, advances to maiden WTA 1000 quarterfinal spot at Cincinnati

Women’s World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka encountered a major setback after crashing out of the Cincinnati Masters on Wednesday. The star Belarusian tennis player was stunned by Sara Bejlek of Czechia, 7-6 (9/7), 6-4, which was one of the biggest shockers of the night.

Sabalenka surged ahead in the opening set, leading 5‑1 in the tiebreak, but Czech star Bejlek raised her level and snatched the set in just over an hour.

Sabalenka stunned by Bejlek

Despite putting up a gritty fight, Sabalenka failed to capitalise against the 35th-ranked Bejlek in the second set. The Czechian broke the Belarusian thrice in the set and won the love service game, closing with an ace.

Also Read | Nick Kyrgios provisionally suspended by ITIA following positive drug test for cocaine

It was a major setback for Sabalenka, who is coming off multiple losses in the knockout stage in key tournaments. She last won the Miami Open title in March and is yet to reach a final since then.

Sabalenka lost to Diana Shnaider in the French Open quarterfinal and then was defeated by Naomi Osaka in the round of 16 at Wimbledon. With the US Open starting on August 30, the Belarusian would be desperate to find her form in the game to maintain her status as World No. 1.

More from Sports

Bejlek reacts after gritty victory

Bejlek, who had won the Abu Dhabi hard court title in February, said that it was an incredible feeling after defeating the women’s world number one and that she believed in herself and tried not to be nervous.

Also Read | Novak Djokovic knocked out by Tirante in sweltering Cincinnati as US Open looms

“I lost my words — it feels incredible. I was playing what I was feeling and not really thinking. I was trying not to be nervous and just play. I believed in myself no matter what,” Bejlek said after the match.

Czechian Bejlek will now face off against Madison Keys of the United States in the quarterfinal at Cincinnati.