Pegula secured a hard-fought 6-4 2-6 7-6(4) victory over ninth seed Anisimova after squandering a 5-3 advantage in the deciding set. Meanwhile, Swiatek extended her winning streak to 10 matches after world number two Rybakina was forced to retire early in their quarter-final match due to an ankle injury ahead of the upcoming U.S. Open Grand Slam.

Pegula Prevails in Thrilling Three-Set Battle

Jessica Pegula initiated the quarter-final contest with strong momentum, wrapping up the opening set in 34 minutes. However, Amanda Anisimova mounted a fierce comeback in the second set, breaking early to establish a quick 3-0 lead before Pegula requested a medical timeout.

Despite losing control of a 5-3 lead in the final set, Pegula held her composure in the tiebreak to seal the victory. The American now advances to a marquee semi-final clash against Iga Swiatek as both players continue their preparations for the upcoming hard-court action.

Swiatek Advances Following Rybakina Retirement

Iga Swiatek moved into the semi-finals after world number two Elena Rybakina retired while trailing 4-1 in the opening set due to an ankle injury. Swiatek raced into a 3-0 lead before Rybakina managed to get on the scoreboard, but the Kazakh player called for a medical timeout before eventually ending the contest.

The encounter marked a quick rematch from the previous week’s Canadian Open final in Toronto, where Swiatek defeated Rybakina in straight sets to capture the title. Swiatek expressed sympathy for her opponent after the match, emphasizing that health remains the top priority heading into the U.S. Open.

Cobolli Uses Sugar Boost to Reach Milestone

In the men’s draw, Flavio Cobolli fought back from a set down to defeat American Tommy Paul 2-6 6-3 6-4. While leading 5-2 in the second set, Cobolli famously requested a tub of M&M’s, later attributing the sugary snack to giving him the required energy boost to complete the comeback.

Cobolli broke serve to take a 5-4 lead in the final set before serving out the match in one hour and 57 minutes. By reaching the semi-finals, Cobolli became only the second Italian player in history to reach the last four in Cincinnati, joining countryman Jannik Sinner.

Fils Sweeps Into Semi-Final Clash Against Cobolli

Flavio Cobolli will face Arthur Fils in the semi-finals after the Frenchman delivered a dominant performance against Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante. Fils wrapped up a convincing 6-3 6-2 victory in just 64 minutes of play.

Fils broke serve to move 5-3 ahead before closing out the opening set. He maintained his relentless pace in the second set by breaking twice more to race to a 5-1 lead, comfortably sealing his spot in the last four.