Ohio (USA), Aug. 12 -- Britain's Emma Raducanu fell agonisingly short of beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka and earning a statement win at the Cincinnati Open.
Raducanu, 22, lost 7-6 (7-3) 4-6 7-6 (7-5) as defending champion Sabalenka edged a battle lasting more than three hours to reach the fourth round.
Having also pushed Sabalenka at Wimbledon, Raducanu's performance was further evidence she can severely test the world's best as her revival continues.
This season, with the British number one's fitness issues largely behind her and the development of greater resilience, she has climbed back into the top 40.
"As I said at Wimbledon I am really happy to see her healthy - mentally and physically," said Sabalenka.
"Every time she i...