CINCINNATI — World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominant 2025 season with a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory over Spain's Jessica Bouzas Maneiro to secure her 50th win of the year and advance to the quarter-finals of the Cincinnati Open.
The Belarusian powerhouse needed just 68 minutes to dispatch the 21-year-old Spaniard, showcasing her trademark power and precision. Sabalenka fired 28 winners, including 10 aces, while converting four of her six break-point opportunities. Bouzas Maneiro, ranked 45th, struggled to handle Sabalenka’s relentless aggression, managing just one break of serve in the match.
Sabalenka’s Milestone Season
With this win, Sabalenka becomes the first player this season to reach 50 match victories, further solidifying her position atop the WTA rankings. Her 2025 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular, featuring:
- Three Grand Slam finals (Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon)
- Five WTA 1000 titles (Doha, Indian Wells, Madrid, Rome, Canada)
- An impressive 85% win rate (50-8 record)
Reflecting on her achievement, Sabalenka said, "It’s been an incredible year so far. Every match, I try to push myself harder. Fifty wins is a great milestone, but I’m focused on the next challenge."
Tactical Mastery Against Bouzas Maneiro
Sabalenka’s game plan was clear from the outset—overpower her opponent with deep groundstrokes and aggressive serving. Bouzas Maneiro, known for her defensive skills, found herself constantly on the back foot, unable to dictate play. Sabalenka’s first-serve percentage (72%) and dominance on second-serve points (65%) were key factors in her victory.
Bouzas Maneiro admitted post-match, "Aryna was just too strong today. I tried to mix up my shots, but she was always one step ahead. She’s playing at an unbelievable level right now."
Key Stats
- Sabalenka: 28 winners, 12 unforced errors
- Bouzas Maneiro: 9 winners, 18 unforced errors
- Sabalenka won 80% of first-serve points
- Bouzas Maneiro converted only 1 of 3 break points
Looking Ahead: Quarter-Final Clash
Sabalenka will face either No. 6 seed Elena Rybakina or rising American star Emma Navarro in the quarter-finals. A potential rematch with Rybakina—who defeated Sabalenka in the Wimbledon final—would be a blockbuster encounter. Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 5-4, but Rybakina has won their last two meetings.
When asked about her next opponent, Sabalenka remained focused: "I don’t care who’s on the other side. I’ll prepare the same way—stay aggressive, trust my game, and fight for every point."
Conclusion
Sabalenka’s 50th win of 2025 underscores her consistency and dominance on tour. With the US Open just weeks away, she appears to be peaking at the perfect time. If she maintains this form, a second Grand Slam title of the year could be within reach.
The Cincinnati Open continues to deliver high-octane tennis, and Sabalenka remains the player to beat. As she chases her sixth WTA 1000 trophy of the season, the tennis world watches in awe of her relentless pursuit of greatness.