Alexander Zverev and Jessica Pegula stranded mid-match as lightning forces umpires to end play at Cincinnati
Posted on: Aug 13, 2025 09:09 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
A nighttime of heights dramatic event and unpredictable middle west brave brought play to a halt at the Cincinnati Open on Tuesday, with both Alexander Zverev and Jessica Pegula left stranded mid-match as lightning forced a suspension of evening play.
Zverev, the men’s third seed, was on the verge of victory against American Brandon Nakashima when officials ordered players off court due to lightning in the area. The German was leading 6-4, 5-4 and about to serve for the match when the interruption came.
In a near-identical scenario, women’s third seed Jessica Pegula was building momentum in her third-round match against Poland’s Magda Linette. After dropping the opening set in a tight tiebreak 7-6 (7/5), Pegula responded by taking the second set 6-3 before play was suspended.
The evening storm, which included flashes of lightning and eventually heavy rain, forced tournament officials to cancel all remaining matches for the night. Among those affected was American Ben Shelton, fresh off his Toronto title, who never made it onto the court for his match against Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut.
Earlier in the day, world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz made light work of the searing 32°C heat to become the first player to book a spot in the fourth round. The Spaniard dispatched Serbia’s Hamad Medjedovic 6-4, 6-4 in 95 minutes to notch his 50th win of the season.
"Medjedovic doesn't like to run that much, so I tried to move him around," Alcaraz explained. "But it wasn’t easy. The ball was flying, and he was hitting it so fast."
Alcaraz now boasts 13 straight wins at the Masters 1000 level in 2025 as he continues his chase of top-ranked Jannik Sinner. He’ll face Italy’s Luca Nardi next, after the Italian advanced past Czech teenager Jakub Mensik, who retired injured at 2-6, 1-2.
Preparing for the US Open, Alcaraz added: “Not every day you feel your best. The key is staying positive and finding ways to win. I’m proud of how I managed today’s conditions.”
In the women’s draw, defending champion Coco Gauff advanced to the fourth round without hitting a ball. Her opponent, Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska, withdrew ahead of their scheduled match due to illness.
Gauff, who followed her 2023 Cincinnati title with a maiden Grand Slam win at the US Open, will face either Jelena Ostapenko or Lucia Bronzetti in the next round.
“It’s never ideal to go through like this,” Gauff said. “I hope Dayana feels better soon. I’m excited to get back on court and keep building my level.”
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.