Aryna Sabalenka is off to a winning start at the Cincinnati Open, her first tournament since her Wimbledon semi-final exit.
Sabalenka takes on Emma Raducanu in the third round of the Cincinnati Open, having just knocked out Marketa Vondrousova.
The world number one was handed a bye in the first round of the WTA 1000 event, her first of the North American hard-court swing.
Sabalenka’s main focus is the US Open, but she is preparing for the next Grand Slam by taking on Cincinnati.
She triumphed at the tournament last year, and is the top seed this time around, with 30th seed Raducanu her next opponent.
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty ImagesAryna Sabalenka working on two shots under new coach Max Mirnyi
The meeting with the British number one comes after three-time Grand Slam champion Sabalenka defeated Vondrousova 7-5, 6-1.
And that arrived after she strengthened her coaching team with the appointment of Max Mirnyi, who she discussed on Tennis Channel after her latest win.
Saying what he brings to her team, she noted: “A lot of things. He is a very smart guy. I am super happy to see him enjoying life.
“He went through difficult situations, he has battled really hard and now he’s enjoying it. I am super happy to see him smiling and helping us.
“Definitely some work around the net. He also gave me a few tips on the serve, which are really working well so far.
“I hope we are only going to get better on that, and a lot of things. He has been a really great player on singles and in doubles as well, he was a very smart player.
“He is bringing a new voice to the team, so that’s also important. I feel like I really enjoy working with him.”
Aryna Sabalenka emulates Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka after Cincinnati Open win
Former doubles world number one Mirnyi enjoyed huge success in his playing career, which included winning 10 Grand Slam titles.
He’s now looking to improve Sabalenka’s game further, having joined his fellow Belarusian for the remainder of the North American hard-court swing.
And he has joined the team at a great time for Sabalenka, who is following in the footsteps of many icons after her latest win.
As per Opta Ace, she is the fifth player to claim 25 WTA 1000 match wins as world number one after Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka, Ashleigh Barty and Iga Swiatek.
Sabalenka will now look to continue that run against Raducanu, who she beat in the third round of Wimbledon last month.
Amanda Anisimova then shocked the Belarusian in the semifinals at the All England Club before losing the final to Swiatek.
Sabalenka loved her battle with Raducanu at Wimbledon, with the former boasting a 2-0 head-to-head record over the latter ahead of their next match.
She also defeated the Briton at Indian Wells in 2024, with Raducanu yet to take a set from the current WTA number one.