Marta Kostyuk defeats Sloane Stephens 7-5, 7-5 in a thrilling Round 3 encounter at Tony Trabert Stadium 3 during the Cincinnati Open 2026.
Introduction:
Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk produced a resilient and composed performance to defeat former US Open champion Sloane Stephens 7-5, 7-5 in a gripping third-round clash at the Cincinnati Open 2026. Competing on Tony Trabert Stadium 3, the 10th-seeded Kostyuk held her nerve during crucial moments to secure a hard-fought straight-sets victory and book her place in the fourth round.
Marta Kostyuk Fights Back in a Rollercoaster Opening Set
The match began with high intensity as Stephens grabbed an early break of serve to race to a 2-0 lead. Backed by the home crowd, the American used her heavy forehand and steady baseline depth to dictate early rallies. However, Marta Kostyuk responded immediately, finding her range on return to break back and level the opening set.
Both players traded powerful groundstrokes from the baseline as the set progressed on serve until 5-5. In the eleventh game, Kostyuk stepped inside the baseline to ramp up the pressure, forcing unforced errors from Stephens to secure a decisive break. Serving for the set, the Ukrainian closed it out with authority to take the opener 7-5.
Clutch Play Delivers Victory in Tight Second Set
The second set followed a similarly tight script, with both competitors refusing to give an inch in long, physical baseline exchanges. Stephens showcased her trademark defensive movement, tracking down difficult balls and testing Kostyuk’s patience.
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With the second set locked at 5-5 once again, Kostyuk raised her level during the critical moments. She attacked second serves aggressively and converted a vital break point before serving out the match with calm authority. Winning the final two games sealed a clean 7-5, 7-5 triumph in front of an appreciative crowd.
Looking Ahead in Cincinnati
The straight-sets win marks a significant milestone for Marta Kostyuk in Cincinnati, showcasing her mental toughness in pressure situations. Her ability to win big points at 5-5 in both sets proved the ultimate difference against a seasoned opponent. Kostyuk now carries tremendous momentum into the fourth round as she continues her push for the WTA 1000 title.