Aryna Sabalenka thanks Billie Jean King after Australian Open win
It's Sabalenka's first title.
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No. 2 Naomi Osaka and No. 1 Ash Barty are returning to the court in Cincinnati.
The 2021 Western & Southern Open draw has been released, previewing some intriguing early-round matchups.
Main Draw at #CincyTennis, where Ashleigh Barty and Naomi Osaka return to tour action as the top seeds. pic.twitter.com/OEvpqSvE1R
— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) August 14, 2021
Osaka could face Coco Gauff in the second round should the 17-year-old phenom advance out of her first-round match. The American tennis star has the ability to upset Osaka, having defeated the world No. 2 in the 2020 Australian Open.
Another notable match is the first-round showdown between Madison Keys and No. 11 Petra Kvitova. Keys will be a formidable opponent for Kvitova, having won in Cincinnati in 2019.
No. 1 Barty will also make her triumphant return to the court after her historic Wimbledon win, receiving a bye in the first round.
The Western & Southern Open kicks off on Aug. 16 in Cincinnati.
It's Sabalenka's first title.
Instead, she'll set her sights on the doubles bracket.
Pegula is the last American woman standing.
Both lost in straight sets.