In the round of 32, the world No. 1 powered through for a 6-2, 7-6 (2) win over Australia’s Talia Gibson to reach the third round. Sabalenka will next face China’s Wang Xinyu (world No. 36).

Another Belarusian, Aliaksandra Sasnovich (No.141), failed to reach the main draw after losing in the first qualifying round to Colombian Emiliana Arango (No.97) 6-3, 4-6, 4-6.

In 2025, Aryna Sabalenka bowed out in the quarterfinals, and Polish Iga Swiatek claimed the title. Sabalenka was the Cincinnati Open champion back in 2024, while her compatriot Victoria Azarenka is a two-time winner of the event (2013, 2020). The 2026 Cincinnati Open will wrap up on 23 August, with the winner taking home over $1.15 million alongside 1,000 WTA ranking points.