Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Bejlek and Paul Complete Major Cincinnati Open Upsets
The Cincinnati Open had two big tennis surprises.
Sara Bejlek beat Aryna Sabalenka, who is ranked number one in the world.
Bejlek won even after falling far behind in both sets.
It was her first victory against a top-10 player.
Tommy Paul also defeated Alexander Zverev, the tournament’s top seed.
Paul saved a match point and came back after rain interrupted the match.
He won four games in a row in the deciding set.
Bejlek will play Madison Keys next, while Paul will face Flavio Cobolli.
Sabalenka’s loss gives Elena Rybakina a chance to become world number one.
Sara Bejlek defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(7), 6-4 in the round of 16.
Bejlek rallied from 5-1 down in the first-set tiebreak and 4-1 behind in the second set.
Tommy Paul saved a match point and defeated top seed Alexander Zverev 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-4.
Paul will face Flavio Cobolli in the quarter-finals after Cobolli beat Rafael Jodar.
Sabalenka’s loss allows Elena Rybakina to claim the world No. 1 ranking by reaching the Cincinnati final.
- Who
- Sara Bejlek defeated Aryna Sabalenka, and Tommy Paul defeated Alexander Zverev.
- What
- The Cincinnati Open produced major upsets in its women’s and men’s draws.
- When
- Wednesday, during the round of 16.
- Where
- The Cincinnati Open in Cincinnati.
- Why
- Bejlek advanced by overcoming Sabalenka, while Paul advanced after a comeback against Zverev; Sabalenka’s defeat also opened a path for Elena Rybakina to take the top ranking.
- Women’s result
- Sara Bejlek defeated Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(7), 6-4.
- Men’s result
- Tommy Paul defeated Alexander Zverev 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-4.
- Bejlek’s milestone
- The victory was Bejlek’s biggest career win and first against a top-10 opponent.
- Women’s quarter-final
- Bejlek will next face Madison Keys.
- Ranking implication
- Elena Rybakina can replace Sabalenka as world No. 1 by reaching the Cincinnati final.
- Paul’s comeback
- Paul saved a match point and won four consecutive games in the deciding set.
- Zverev statistics
- Zverev hit 14 aces and nine double faults.
