Kostyuk edges Kenin in three sets in Cincinnati opener

Marta Kostyuk recovered from a set down to beat Sofia Kenin 4-6 6-3 7-5 in the Cincinnati round of 64, closing out a decider that stayed on serve until the very end. The Ukrainian's serve was the difference in the biggest moments: nine aces and 77% of points won behind the first delivery gave her free points Kenin never found, the American finishing without an ace. Kostyuk paid for her erratic accuracy, landing only 52.6% of first serves and hitting seven double faults, but 41.8% won on second ball kept her afloat. It was a hard-earned first win at a WTA 1000 event where survival mattered more than polish.