Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka has revealed the lengths she took to cool off after edging past Emma Raducanu during a fourth-round epic at the Cincinnati Open.
World number one Sabalenka required more than three hours to beat the world number 39, winning 7-6 (7-3) 4-6 7-6 (7-5).
“I did a cold plunge for 10 minutes,” said Sabalenka, discussing the intense heat on the Tennis Channel.
“Last time, I was only able to do it for one minute in Florida. That’s how hot it was. I didn’t want to leave.”
Sabalenka vs Raducanu: ‘What’s going on?’
Sabalenka admitted that the conditions are taking their toll at a tournament where men’s 23rd seed Arthur Rinderknech collapsed during his third-round encounter with Felix Auger-Aliassime on Monday, returning to his feet after treatment but later retiring.
“The whole time, I’ve been thinking ‘this is what they call ageing. This is how it feels to be old,’” said Sabalenka.
“I looked at Emma and she was pumped and ready to play the next point. I was still trying to keep my breath.
Sabalenka SHOT 💥#CincyTennis | @SabalenkaA pic.twitter.com/85xdbOuzMV
— Cincinnati Open (@CincyTennis) August 11, 2025
“I was like ‘what’s going on?’ I couldn’t believe I’m getting old. I was trying to do slow exhales and make sure I could breathe normally.”
The 23-minute eighth game of the third set was particularly gruelling. “It’s so annoying that I didn’t win that one, but she played incredibly,” conceded Sabalenka.
Max Mirnyi makes impact for Sabalenka
“Max Mirnyi is very happy with my volley,” said Sabalenka, namechecking the 10-time doubles titlist and Olympic champion who has joined her team in Cincinnati and for the US Open.
“I was brave enough to come to the net and to go for some risky shots that I’ve been working on for a couple of weeks. I made some brave decisions and that’s why I got the win.”
The 27-year-old takes on rising Spanish star and world number 42 Jessica Bouzas next.
🙌 5 star @SabalenkaA 🙌 pic.twitter.com/gFw0vMlppb
— Cincinnati Open (@CincyTennis) August 11, 2025
When is the 2025 US Open?
British number one and 2021 US Open champion Raducanu will now hope to be among the 32 seeded players at Flushing Meadows.
The action starts in New York on August 24 and runs until September 27, with Belarusian Sabalenka defending her title.
Raducanu was beaten by Sabalenka in straight sets in the third round at Wimbledon this year and has lost in the first round on both of her US Open appearances since becoming champion.
