Aryna Sabalenka and Andrey Rublev surprised fans at the Cincinnati Open by practicing together ahead of their respective matches. The joint session drew attention not only for the star power involved but also for the relaxed and collaborative atmosphere between two of tennis’s most intense competitors.
Chemistry and Camaraderie
Observers noted the easy rapport between Sabalenka and Rublev, who exchanged tips and encouragement throughout the session. Sabalenka, known for her explosive power and emotional intensity, seemed to enjoy the lighter mood Rublev brought to the court. Rublev, often reserved during matches, appeared more animated and engaged during the practice.
Preparation Ahead of Key Matches
Both players are gearing up for crucial rounds in Cincinnati. Sabalenka is defending her title and preparing for a potential showdown with Elena Rybakina, while Rublev is looking to build momentum before the US Open. Practicing together may have offered a refreshing change from their usual routines and helped sharpen their focus.
Two powerhouses 💥@SabalenkaA 🤝 @AndreyRublev97 pic.twitter.com/tM1DYLQ1Cx
— Cincinnati Open (@CincyTennis) August 14, 2025
Sabalenka in Cincinnati, ranking, and results in 2025
LWWWWLWWWW Ranked world no.1, the Belarussian has a compiled 50-9 record in 2025. Sabalenka is playing in Cincinnati where she toppled the world no.59 Marketa Vondrousova 7-5 6-1, the world no.39 Emma Raducanu 7-6(3) 4-6 7-6(5) and the world no.42 Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-1 7-5.
Aryna Sabalenka will take on the world no.10 Elena Rybakina in the quarter. Their record is 7-4 for Sabalenka.
Aryna has won 3 titles in 2025 in Brisbane, Miami and Madrid. The Belarussian was the finalist at the Australian Open, in Indian Wells (BNP Paribas Open), in Stuttgart (Porsche Tennis Grand Prix) and at the French Open.
The Belarussian won 20 titles in her career: 15 on hard courts, 3 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
Rublev in Cincinnati, ranking, and results in 2025
Currently ranked no.11, the Russian achieved a composed 29-18 record in 2025. Rublev is currently competing in Cincinnati where he conquered the world no.55 Learner Tien 7-6(4) 6-3, the world no.19 Alexei Popyrin 6-7(5) 7-6(5) 7-5 and the world no.71 Francisco Comesana 6-2 6-3.
Andrey Rublev will play the world no.2 Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter. Their current head to head is 3-1 for Alcaraz.
The Russian clinched 1 title in 2025 in Doha. Rublev was the finalist in Hamburg (Hamburg Open).
The Russian won 17 titles in his career: 5 on hard courts, 6 on clay courts and 6 on indoor courts. (See the list of his titles)
