Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.Read more

Third seed Iga Swiatek reached the Cincinnati quarter-finals with a straight sets win over Sorana Cirstea, while Alexander Zverev needed just one game to complete victory over Brandon Nakashima before rain halted play again.

Wimbledon champion Swiatek extended her perfect record against Cirstea to 5-0 and will next face the winner of an all-Russian clash between Anna Kalinskaya and Ekaterina Alexandrova.

“We played many tough matches, so I know Sorana can really hit the ball well, especially on faster surfaces,” Poland’s Swiatek said.

“I’m happy I was solid enough. I was trying to be proactive with my serve, not many of my first serves went in, but I was happy I was solid on my second serves.”

Fellow Pole Magda Linette upset fourth seed Jessica Pegula 7-6(5) 3-6 6-3 in a third-round match that extended over two days after Tuesday’s suspension due to rain.

The American had levelled the match at a set apiece, but on Wednesday’s resumption Linette earned the break before closing it out on serve for her second Top-10 win of the season.

In the men’s draw, Zverev completed a 6-4 6-4 win over Nakashima after the match was suspended overnight when he was leading 5-4 in the second set.

The German third seed is set to return to the court later on Wednesday, aiming to avenge last week’s Toronto semi-final loss to Russian Karen Khachanov.

Earlier, seventh seed Holger Rune advanced after home favourite Frances Tiafoe was forced to retire with a back injury.

Reuters