World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and French Open champion Alexander Zverev were knocked out of the Cincinnati Open in the round of 16 [1], [2].
The early exits of the top seeds disrupt the tournament brackets and shift the competitive landscape just days before the final Grand Slam of the season.
Sabalenka, the current World No. 1 [1], suffered an upset loss to Sara Bejlek [1]. The defeat removes one of the primary favorites from the women's draw, opening a path for other contenders. Coco Gauff has already progressed to the quarter-finals following the shake-up [2].
In the men's draw, Alexander Zverev was also stunned in the last 16 [1], [2]. Zverev entered the tournament as the reigning French Open champion [1]. While some reports indicated rain had halted afternoon play, confirmed results show the top seed has exited the competition [1].
Both players now have a short window to recover and prepare for the next major event. The US Open is scheduled to begin on Aug. 30, 2026 [1].
The Cincinnati Open, also known as the Western & Southern Open, serves as a critical warm-up for the hard-court season in the U.S. The loss of two dominant figures in the fourth round creates a volatile environment for the remaining players as they vie for the title [1], [2].
“World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and French Open champion Alexander Zverev were knocked out of the Cincinnati Open”
The simultaneous elimination of the top seeds in both the men's and women's draws suggests a lack of dominance among the favorites heading into the US Open. For Sabalenka and Zverev, these losses provide a cautionary signal regarding their current form, while lower-ranked players gain critical momentum and confidence before the final major of 2026.
