Searing heat precipitates defeat in Cincinnati

As impressive as the brand new features at the Cincinnati stadium are, they typically do not include shade covers or Centre Court roofs, to counteract the notorious mid summer conditions.

Thus in addition to fighting off formidable opponents, players are equally battling ferocious heat and humidity: According to tennis analyst, Mike James, there have been an unprecedented number of mid-match retirements in the  Mens Draw, with Europeans, unused to soaring temperatures, being the first to  fade: Spaniard Davidovich Fokina had to call it a day versus Brazilian Joao Fonseca at 7-6,4-5, from a position of ascendency.

Italians Camilo Ugo Carabelli and Luciano Darderi, were further second Round walkovers, against Ben Shelton and Francisco Camesana, while former British No 1, Cameron Norrie, looked positively ill for most of his defeat at the hand of Roberto Bautista Agut, but at least saw it through to the bitter end.

American Frances Tiafoe quit in Round Four, with a lower back injury, against Danish Holger Rune, as did Russian Karen Khachanov retire injured in his curtailed face off with Sinner. Not to mention Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech,  who after a laudable three-set win over Stefanos Tsitsipas, collapsed on court from heat exhaustion in his next clash, versus Canadian Champion, Ben Shelton.

James is demanding a new rule to allow heat breaks for Men, be introduced, as on the WTA Tour. What is more notable, is how a trio of French underdogs, qualifiers, Adrian Mannarino & Terence Atmane and  World No 63, Benjamin Bonzi, collectively dismantled drawcards Tommy Paul, Taylor Fritz and Tsitsipas in one foul swoop, suggesting French Tennis is on the rise, together with the burgeoning Italian lineup.

As for the Yankee home favourites, “Cincy” has seen their premature demise on both sides of the Draw:  Australian champion, Madison Keys and World No 3, Jessica Pegula have joined Paul, Tiafoe, Riley Opelka (another heat sufferer) and Fritz on the sidelines- only Ben Shelton and Coco Gauff held the Stars and Stripes aloft in the Quarters.

Former US Open champion, Emma Raducanu, hasn’t fared well either, suffering another defeat to World No 1, Aryna Sabalenka, pushing the Brit out of the seedings for the US Open.

Slams allow 32 seeded players and in the wake of  injured Spain’s Paula Badosa and Chinese Qinwen Zheng’s withdrawals from Flushing Meadow, Raducanu at No 34 might have grabbed that last spot.

However after Veronica Kudermedova felled Clara Tauson, the Russian has now overtaken Raducanu and pushed the Brit back down the rankings. Raducanu’s only hope is if another Russian foe, teenage star, Mira  Andreeva withdraws from the US Open, if unable to overcome her injuries.

Being seeded means, you are guaranteed not to play another top seed, until Round Three. Hence Raducanu might avoid more early Major exits.

Nevertheless there is good news afoot: Over and above their prize money, players in Cincinnati are getting a 25% bonus through an ATP initiative whereby through a 50/50 profit sharing formula, which splits money generated from these Masters 1000 events among them.

Introduced in 2022, 2025 has produced a record $18,3 Million for distribution, small consolation for all those frustrated retirees.

The usual top contenders Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev with less interest in bonuses and eyes firmly fixed on the prize have remained figuratively and physically cool enough to reach the final furlong.

But take a bow World No 136, Atmane, who unseated Rune 6-2, 6-3, with French flair and aggression, to earn the privilege of facing the World No 1 in the Semis.