Aryna Sabalenka and Sascha Zverev Crash Out in Cinci Shock
Locker Room
August 20, 2026
Aryna Sabalenka and Sascha Zverev were surprising casualties in Cincinatti.
It seems the aura of invincibility surrounding the powerfully-built Sabalenka is now a thing of the past.
World number 35 Sara Bejlek bounced back from 1-5 down in the first-set breaker and 1-4 down in the second-set proper to prevail by a sensational 7-6 (9-7), 6-4.
Aryna Sabalenka has plenty of time to recapture her best form and mindset in time for Wimbledon 2027. But the US Open is only weeks away.
Her rivals won’t be so desperate to avoid her in the draw. And underdogs now know they stand a realistic chance of creating an upset.
After closing out the final love game with an ace, a delighted Bejlek said: ‘I lost my words. It feels incredible.
‘I was playing what I was feeling – and refusing to be nervous. I believed in myself no matter what.’
So did Tommy Paul, although he probably had more reason to feel confident at the outset on home territory against Wimbledon finalist Sascha Zverev.
But the American had to save a match point at 5-6 in the second-set breaker before showing that typically tenacious fighting spirit.
Paul conjured some seemingly impossible cross-court winners and still looked full of beans as he battled back from 2-4 down in the decider.
Eventually Tommy romped home 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 against the jaded German, whose Grand Slam heroics earlier in the summer appear to have left him emotionally drained.
Aryna Sabalenka and Sascha Zverev should get a fresh adrenalin surge for the US Open – and be completely rejuvenated in time for Wimbledon 2027.
Zverev will want to secure his first major on grass at Wimbledon 2027, having come so close a few weeks ago.
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