Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff march on in swealtering Cincinnati

Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff march on in swealtering Cincinnati

Top seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff are into the fourth round of the Cincinnati Masters after straight-set wins

Sabalenka needed just 54 minutes to see off China's Xinyu Wang 6-1, 6-3 in their second career meeting and book her place in the Round of 16.

"She's a tough opponent and to get this win in straight sets, under an hour, it's an insane result and I'm so happy to be through," Sabalenka said afterwards.

"I think I really trusted myself, I was going for my shots without overthinking, and I think that was the weapon of tonight's match. I'm super happy I was able to stay focused and to be there in every point."

Sabalenka broke serve four times to book a fourth-round match against unseeded Czech Sara Bejlek in what will be their first career meeting.

Meanwhile, Gauff secured her spot in the fourth round courtesy of a 6-1, 7-6(3) win over fellow American Ann Li.

"Honestly, today was a little bit tougher for me coming from night to day, trying to control the ball a little bit, but overall I'm happy with how I played," said Gauff, who needed just 29 minutes to claim the opening set.

"Ann's not an easy opponent to play. She has a lot of variety in her game so I'm happy to get through."

Elsewhere, world number nine Elina Svitolina has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open ahead of her third-round match against Wang Xiyu because of a right ankle injury. 

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