Aryna Sabalenka needed six match points to edge past Talia Gibson 6-2, 7-6 (7/2) in the second round of the Cincinnati Masters on Sunday, escaping a determined challenge from her opponent.
Several leading names progressed comfortably. Coco Gauff recovered from a first-set blowout to beat Liudmila Samsonova 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, while Felix Auger-Aliassime dispatched Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3, 7-5 and Daniil Medvedev also advanced. Sorana Cîrstea reached the last 16 after Ana Kalinskaia retired trailing 5-0 in the decider, setting up a clash with Jessica Pegula.
In the men's draw, Ben Shelton was upset by Jaime Faria, while Zizou Bergs fell to Daniel Merida 6-3, 6-2. Compatriot Alexander Blockx defeated Mariano Navone to reach the third round.