MASON, OH – The Cincinnati Open began its knockout rounds on August 9 following a thrilling conclusion of the Round of 128. The day was highlighted by a standout performance from Madeira native Caty McNally, who won against Maddison Inglis with a convincing score of 6-2, 6-3 on Grandstand Court in front of enthusiastic hometown fans.
“This is surreal, honestly,” McNally expressed during an on-court interview. “It was just a combination of nerves and wanting to do well for you guys. I want to win here so bad.” This victory marked an emotional return for McNally, who was competing in her first Cincinnati Open since 2022 due to an elbow injury that required surgery.
The knockout rounds set the stage for some of the biggest names in tennis on the Center Court, with WTA No. 3 Iga Swiatek making her debut against No. 45 Anastasia Potapova. Swiatek aims to regain her form after a recent loss to Clara Tauson in Montreal, looking to make an impact before the upcoming US Open.
Additionally, men’s Wimbledon champion and ATP No. 1 Jannik Sinner was set to face qualifier Daniel Elahi Galan. Sinner had a memorable Wimbledon victory earlier this summer, defeating Carlos Alcaraz in a closely contested match.
The night session brought more excitement, featuring a match between No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and 2024 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, with the two players holding a balanced professional record against one another. Sabalenka is determined to seize her last chance for a Grand Slam win this season at the US Open after finishing as runner-up in two finals earlier in the year.
This year’s event has seen significant interest from fans, with all sessions during the opening weekend sold out. As the tournament progresses, local players such as Mason’s Peyton Stearns have also drawn attention, securing her first main draw victory at the tournament.
Overall, the Cincinnati Open is not only showcasing top-tier tennis but is also shining a spotlight on local talent, creating a vibrant atmosphere for both players and spectators alike. The competition continues to promise excitement and intense matches as the rounds unfold.