Marta Kostyuk vs Sloane Stephens Preview & Prediction | 2026 Cincinnati Open | Third Round

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Marta Kostyuk faces Sloane Stephens at the Cincinnati Open. 

Ranking points: WTA 1000

Start date/time: 18 August 2026 at 8:00 pm

Venue: Lindner Family Tennis Center, Mason, USA

Surface: Outdoor hard

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – Tennis Channel

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Marta Kostyuk vs Sloane Stephens ticket information

Marta Kostyuk vs Sloane Stephens prediction

Marta Kostyuk came through a tight match with Sofia Kenin to reach the third-round of the Cincinnati Open. The Ukrainian recovered from a set down to win 4-6 6-3 7-5 after almost two and a half hours. Kostyuk destroyed Madison Keys at the Canadian Open and pushed Iga Swiatek to three sets in the round-of-16, before eventually falling to defeat against the six-time Grand Slam champion.

She will play Sloane Stephens next. The 2017 US Open champion produced a brilliant performance to beat Anastasia Potapova in straight sets. She has now won four of her last five completed matches, and appears to have rediscovered some confidence on the North American hard courts. Stephens won 7-5 6-3.

Kostyuk remains the clear favourite, and she has performed at a much higher level in 2026. However, Stephens has looked rejuvenated in Cincinnati and her ability to absorb pace, and counterattack could frustrate the 24-year-old. 

Marta Kostyuk vs Sloane Stephens tip: Over 17.5 games