Serena To Face Raducanu In Cincinnati Masters First Round, Venus Meets Pliskova

The last big stop before the US Open is up next in Cincinnati where Serena Williams will play her second-to-last tournament.

The 2-time champion will begin her final Cincinnati campaign Monday night against reigning champion Emma Raducanu in a Monday blockbuster.

Serena is 1-2 in this final stretch after falling to Belinda Bencic a few days ago in Toronto.

If Serena wins, she could meet Victoria Azarenka in the second round (Azarenka beat Serena in a thrilling 2013 Cincinnati final) with Jessica Pegula projected in the third round.

Venus, who could be playing her final Cincinnati as well, opens against fellow former No. 1 and 2016 Cincy champ Karolina Pliskova.

Top seed Iga Swiatek hopes to get back on track. The world No. 1 is just 3-3 in her last six matches. She could face Sloane Stephens in her opener.

Canadian finalist and 2-time runner-up in Cincinnati Simona Halep will take on Karolina Muchova.

Daria Kasatkina collides with Amanda Anisimova. 2020 finalist Naomi Osaka could meet Leylah Fernandez in the second round. Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina are also in the draw. They could meet in the third round.

Project quarterfinals: 1 Swiatek – 8 Muguruza, 3 Badosa – 5 Jabeur, 7 Pegula – 7 Sakkari, 5 Sabalenka – 2 Kontaveit.

Last year, the retired Ash Barty beat Jil Teichmann in the final.

The Top 17 women are all in the field.

You Might Like:
Serena Slammed By Raducanu At Cincinnati Masters, Osaka Out; Swiatek v Stephens Wed.
Serena, Venus, Osaka And Swiatek Headline Canadian Masters Toronto
Serena v Raducanu Tonight In Cincinnati; Murray Outlasts Wawrinka
Venus Williams Makes Return In Washington; Halep, Raducanu In Field
Raducanu Rolls Past Azarenka, Swiatek Advances, Badosa Upset At Cincinnati Masters