World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz survived a grueling test against Andrey Rublev to advance to the semi-finals of the Cincinnati Open on Friday, while defending women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka suffered a straight-sets defeat to Elena Rybakina.
Alcaraz Edges Rublev in Thriller
The Spanish star overcame a mid-match lapse to defeat the 11th-ranked Rublev 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 in a gripping contest. After failing to serve out the match at 5-4 in the deciding set, Alcaraz regrouped and broke Rublev in the final game, sealing victory when the Russian double-faulted on match point.
“I kept positive even when I lost focus in the second set,” Alcaraz said. “Against Rublev, that can cost you the match. In the third, my first serve deserted me, but I fought back—that’s what I’m proud of.”
The 2023 Cincinnati runner-up extended his Masters 1000 winning streak to 14 matches, having triumphed this year in Monte Carlo and Rome. With 52 wins this season, Alcaraz leads the ATP in victories and has gone 37-2 since April, capturing five titles in 2025.
He will next face either Alexander Zverev (No. 3) or Ben Shelton (No. 5) for a spot in the final.
Sabalenka Crushed by Rybakina
Meanwhile, top-ranked Sabalenka was outplayed by Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, who dominated 6-1, 6-4 to set up a semi-final clash with Iga Świątek. The Polish world No. 1 eased past Anna Kalinskaya 6-3, 6-4 earlier in the day.
Rybakina’s powerful serving and precision overwhelmed Sabalenka, who struggled to find rhythm. The Kazakhstani player will now look to avenge her Wimbledon final loss to Świątek in what promises to be a blockbuster semi-final.
Key Takeaways
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Alcaraz survives Rublev’s challenge, showing resilience in a tense decider.
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Rybakina stuns Sabalenka, setting up a rematch with Świątek.
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Alcaraz remains on track for a sixth title of 2025, while the women’s draw sees a shake-up with Sabalenka’s exit.
The Cincinnati Open continues with high-stakes semi-finals as players gear up for the US Open.
