Sabalenka showcases her number one version and dominates to reach the round of 16 in Cincinnati
Aryna Sabalenka needed matches like the one she experienced today in the third round of the WTA 1000 Cincinnati 2026. Imperial, in total control from the very first moment, damaging with her serve and completely dominating her opponent: this is how she achieved an important victory over Xinyu Wang, allowing her to win just four games (6-1, 6-3) to advance to the round of 16 in U.S. territory.
One of the most impressive statistics from today’s match lies in the second serve of the Belarusian. Dominating from the first ball, she inflicted significant damage with her second serve... to the extent of losing only one point with that shot. Protecting that shot very well, Aryna managed to score with short points and barely wasted any time in a victory that not only reflects domination but also allows her to conserve energy ahead of a more complicated schedule: tomorrow, on the day all round of 16 matches are played, she will be back in action.
The stats of a great victory: Sabalenka is already in the round of 16 in Cincinnati
It’s an important week for the Belarusian: she is defending the number one ranking under the pressure of names like Elena Rybakina, who is just over 500 points behind. Advancing far in Cincinnati would allow her to create a gap and build a more significant cushion ahead of a US Open where she will defend a whopping 2000 points as champion.
Sabalenka d. Xinyu Wang 6-1 6-3
Aryna powers her way to the last 16
She only lost 1 point on her 2nd serve all match
This is her 5th WTA 1000 Round of 16 of the year
✅40th win of 2026
She’s reached this stage in Cincinnati 7 of the last 8 years
Getting back to #1 things 🐅 pic.twitter.com/5ihTdOJ2hm— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 19, 2026
This is the fifth time Aryna has reached the round of 16 in a WTA 1000 this season, in a prolific year for the Belarusian in these types of events after winning the Sunshine Double (Indian Wells and Miami) several months ago. Moreover, it is her 40th victory in a season filled with highs and lows, but in which she has continued to win enough to stay at the top. Finally, she continues her love affair with Cincinnati: seven round of 16 appearances in the last eight participations, a sign that her tennis works well in the United States. Sara Beljek will be her next stop.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sabalenka saca su versión número uno y arrasa para meterse en octavos de Cincinnati