WTA Cincinnati: Rybakina defeats Sabalenka, Paulini claims third consecutive win over Gauff

On August 15, 2025, the women's singles semifinals lineup for the WTA 1000 Cincinnati was finalized. In a key matchup, the tournament's 9th seed Rybakina eliminated the defending champion and world number one Sabalenka with a score of 6-1/6-4, marking her victory in their 12th encounter.

Rybakina

The last time they faced each other was at the WTA 500 Berlin event this season, where Sabalenka came back from 2-6 down in the deciding set tiebreak to save four match points and win. In this match, Rybakina put enough pressure on Sabalenka with her serve and return, hitting 11 aces and saving all five break points, ultimately winning in straight sets in just 75 minutes.

This marks Rybakina's seventh career victory over a world number one, setting her personal best at the tournament. She has reached the semifinals back-to-back at two WTA 1000 events in North America. In the semifinals, Rybakina will face 3rd seed Swiatek for a spot in the final. Swiatek defeated 28th seed Kalinskaya 6-3/6-4 in the quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals at this event for the third consecutive year, aiming to go further.

Paulini

7th seed Paulini staged a comeback to defeat 2nd seed Gauff 2-6/6-4/6-3, achieving her third consecutive win against the latter this season and reaching the semifinals at this event for the first time. Next, Paulini will face V. Kudermetova, who swept qualifier dark horse Glachova 6-1/6-2 in the quarterfinals.

WTA Cincinnati Women's Singles Semifinals Matchups

[9] Rybakina vs Swiatek [3]

V. Kudermetova vs Paulini [7]

(Written and edited by: Dato, Images: Visual China)