Gracheva Dominates Muchova and Advances to the Round of 16 in Cincinnati
Varvara Gracheva delivered one of the standout performances in the third round of the WTA 1000 in Cincinnati. The Frenchwoman, who came through qualifying with wins over Buzarnescu and Jovic, continued her strong form with victories against Katie Volynets (6-4, 3-6, 6-3) and Sofia Kenin (6-7, 6-3, 6-3).
Facing Karolina Muchova in the third round, the world No. 103 secured a straight-sets win (6-2, 6-4). Gracheva was solid on her service games, capitalizing on her opponent's errors to take control of the match and never relinquished her lead.
Having fallen in the second round during the past two seasons in Ohio, the 25-year-old Gracheva has now reached the Round of 16 in Cincinnati for the first time in her career, ensuring her return to the top 100 in the rankings.
The Frenchwoman will have a chance to go even further in the next round, where she will face Ella Seidel, another qualifier, for a spot in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, the German, who had previously upset Emma Navarro, confirmed her form with a hard-fought win over another American, McCartney Kessler, saving two match points in the third-set tiebreak (6-4, 2-6, 7-6).
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