Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka got their title defenses off to smooth starts as they powered into the third round of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open on Saturday.

The men's and women's top seeds, each ranked number one in the world, were both competing for the first time since Wimbledon -- where Sinner lifted the title and as Sabalenka bowed out in the women's semi-finals.

Sinner crushed Colombian Daniel Elahi Galan 6-1, 6-1 in steamy afternoon weather while Sabalenka beat 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova 7-5, 6-1 under the lights of the night session.

Sabalenka needed 54 minutes and a service break in the final game to clinch the opening set with a stinging winner.

The second set was more of a grind than the score suggested as she saved five break points for a 4-1 lead and re

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