Ekaterina Alexandrova lost to Sara Bejlek 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 in the Cincinnati Open Round of 32 after beating Aryna Sabalenka in Toronto.
Ekaterina Alexandrova could not continue her run in Cincinnati after losing to Sara Bejlek 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 in the Round of 32. The loss came shortly after Alexandrova defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at the Canadian Open in Toronto.
Alexandrova had entered the Cincinnati match with confidence after her win over Sabalenka, but Bejlek turned the match around after losing the opening set.
Alexandrova Could Not Hold Her Lead
Alexandrova started well and took the first set 6-4. However, Bejlek quickly changed the match in the second set, winning it 6-1. The third set followed a similar pattern, with Bejlek taking control and winning 6-2 to complete the comeback. Alexandrova struggled to create the same level of pressure she had shown against Sabalenka in Toronto.
The Czech player also finished with better numbers in several areas. Bejlek hit five aces, won 92 points and converted five of seven break points. Alexandrova had one ace, won 72 points and converted two of six break points.
From Beating Sabalenka to Cincinnati Exit
Alexandrova’s Cincinnati exit came just days after one of the biggest wins of her recent run. In Toronto, she beat Sabalenka and earned a place in the quarterfinals.
After that win, Alexandrova explained that she had no big expectations before facing the world No. 1. Instead, she decided to play aggressively and take risks.
“I was trying to risk as much as possible because, I don’t know, it felt like it was the only way today,” Alexandrova said.
She also explained how she stayed positive after missing chances against Sabalenka.
“I was trying, you know, to think. So I created that chance. So maybe next time I can do the same,” she said.
That approach helped her beat Sabalenka in Toronto, but she could not find the same answer against Bejlek in Cincinnati. After taking the first set, Alexandrova dropped the next two and exited the tournament in the Round of 32.