Bejlek stuns No. 1 Sabalenka in Cincinnati to reach first WTA 1000 quarterfinal

Sara Bejlek, ranked World No. 35, pulled off the biggest win of her career by defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 (9-7), 6-4 at the Cincinnati Open on August 20, 2026. The 20-year-old Czech player came back from early deficits in both sets to secure the victory. Bejlek will next face 2019 Cincinnati champion Madison Keys in her first-ever WTA 1000 quarterfinal.