Sabalenka Reaches US Open Last 16 with Win Over Fernandez
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka has reached the US Open last 16 after defeating Leylah Fernandez of Canada in straight sets. Sabalenka won 6-2, 7-6 (7-2) in the night session at Flushing Meadows.
The 27-year-old from Belarus continues her bid to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to win back-to-back titles at Flushing Meadows.
Her win in the second set extended her impressive run of consecutive tie-break wins to 18, a feat she credits to trust in her game.
“When I get to the tie-break, I know there’s no time for doubts, I just go for my shots,” Sabalenka explained. “I remind myself to trust my game. I’ve got a good feeling and I stick to my plan, staying aggressive and putting pressure on my opponent.”
Despite the crowd cheering for a wedding proposal on the big screen during a change of ends, Sabalenka remained focused on the match. She joked, “It was a very sweet moment, but I tried not to smile. It was cute, but I needed to focus on my game.” Laughing, she added, “I don’t want that kind of proposal, but I looked at my boyfriend. No pressure.”
Next up for Sabalenka is Cristina Bucsa of Spain, who made it to the fourth round of a major for the first time after defeating Elise Mertens of Belgium 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.
In other matches, Jessica Pegula had to fight hard to beat Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 7-5. Pegula, who was a finalist last year, controlled the first set easily, but Azarenka fought back in the second despite struggling with a leg injury. Pegula will now face either Ann Li or Priscilla Hon in the next round.
Meanwhile, Jasmine Paolini was defeated by Marketa Vondrousova, 7-6 (7-4), 6-1. Paolini, who reached both the French Open and Wimbledon finals last year, failed to progress past the fourth round at any Slam this year.
