Aryna Sabalenka Could Make Unwanted History at the Cincinnati Open After Being Handed ‘Brutal’ Draw

Aryna Sabalenka isn’t just walking into the Cincinnati Open—she’s stepping into a potential minefield. The reigning Australian Open champion and current World No. 2 has been dealt a draw so brutal, it’s got fans and pundits alike raising eyebrows… and whispering about the kind of history no top seed wants to make.

With a stacked quarter and nightmare matchups lurking at every corner, Sabalenka faces the very real risk of a shock early exit. If she crashes out before the quarterfinals again this year, it will mark her fifth straight early loss in Cincinnati—a streak that could etch her name into the tournament’s record books for all the wrong reasons. That’s not exactly the kind of consistency a player of Sabalenka’s caliber is looking for.

Her draw? Downright savage. A possible second-round clash with a dangerous unseeded floater. A third-round collision with a rising WTA star playing fearless tennis. And that’s before she even gets to the top-tier threats like Elena Rybakina or Coco Gauff, who could await in the quarters or semis.

The challenge isn’t just physical—it’s mental. Cincinnati has never been a happy hunting ground for Sabalenka. Whether it’s the humid Midwest conditions, the unlucky draws, or just bad timing before the US Open, this tournament has been her Achilles’ heel. And now, with pressure mounting and expectations sky-high, the tennis world is watching to see if she can finally flip the script.

Still, if anyone thrives when her back’s against the wall, it’s Aryna. Her trademark power, emotional fire, and never-say-die spirit have carried her through bigger storms. But this week, she’s not just battling her opponents—she’s battling the ghosts of Cincinnati past.

Will she break the curse or become the storyline no one saw coming? One thing is certain: all eyes are on Sabalenka, and Cincinnati is no longer just another stop on the calendar—it’s a full-blown reckoning.

Because if she goes out early again, it won’t just be another upset. It’ll be history—and not the kind anyone wants on their résumé.