Despite a sluggish start due to rain delays, unseeded American Sloane Stephens powered through to secure a 7-5, 6-2 victory over Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the first round of the Cincinnati Open on Monday. Stephens, ranked 38th in the world, broke Cocciaretto five times and saved three out of five break points en route to sealing the win in a competitive match lasting 76 minutes.
Reflecting on the match, Stephens acknowledged that both she and Cocciaretto were impacted by the rain delays, limiting their warm-up time. She admitted to feeling a bit slow at the start of the encounter but was pleased to have fought through the challenges to secure the victory. In her post-match interview, Stephens said, “So a lot of drama but happy to be through after a slow start.”
Cocciaretto took control early on, building a 5-2 lead in the first set and giving herself two opportunities to serve out the set. However, Stephens displayed her resilience and dialed up the intensity, breaking Cocciaretto to love on both occasions. She used a five-game winning streak to wrap up the opening set.
In the second set, Stephens continued her dominant play. She consolidated an early break with a hold to love, taking a commanding 3-0 lead. She maintained her high level of play and ultimately secured another service break to end the encounter with a 6-2 victory in the second set.
Stephens’ victory sets up a second-round showdown with French defending champion Caroline Garcia. Garcia holds a 4-2 record against Stephens, including two previous wins at the Cincinnati Open. However, Stephens emerged victorious in their most recent encounter at Guadalajara in 2022. The upcoming match promises to be a challenging test for Stephens as she aims to continue her successful run in the tournament.
Sloane Stephens exhibited her determination and resilience as she fought through a slow start to secure a first-round victory at the Cincinnati Open. Overcoming the rain delays and a deficit in the first set, Stephens showcased her ability to raise her level of play when it mattered most. With a second-round clash against Caroline Garcia on the horizon, Stephens will need to harness her tenacity and skill to overcome the defending champion. The remaining matches at the Cincinnati Open are sure to be filled with excitement and anticipation as these talented players vie for success on the courts.
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