Sabalenka Set to Clash with Cristina Bucsa in US Open’s Next Round

NEW YORK: Aryna Sabalenka, the top-ranked player globally, secured her place in the US Open’s round of 16 on Friday. She triumphed over Leylah Fernandez with a score of 6-3, 7-6(2) at Louis Armstrong Stadium, avenging a previous defeat.

Three years prior, Fernandez had ousted Sabalenka in the 2021 US Open semi-finals. This time, the top seed entered the match with a strong desire to reverse that outcome.

“I was really aiming for this revenge. I’m very pleased with the victory. I recognized Leylah as a formidable opponent, requiring my full focus from the start. I succeeded in maintaining composure and executing my strategy, which proved effective,” Sabalenka commented.

Sabalenka displayed dominance in the initial set, successfully defending against three break points in the first game. She established command through forceful groundstrokes and commanding serves.

Fernandez mounted a comeback in the subsequent set, extending it to a tiebreak. However, Sabalenka’s resilience, accuracy, and mental fortitude ultimately prevailed. Throughout the match, the Belarusian faced only one additional break point, which she countered with a service winner, preventing Fernandez from gaining any significant advantage.

With this win, Sabalenka is now four victories away from becoming the first competitor since Serena Williams to secure consecutive US Open titles. Moreover, it bolsters her flawless record in third-round matches at Flushing Meadows to an unblemished 6-0.

Despite her triumph, Sabalenka acknowledged Fernandez’s talent and competitiveness.

“She is undeniably a challenging adversary. Her skills are improving, and she dedicates herself to daily progress. I had to compete intensely for each point. The outcome hinged on a few critical moments in each set,” Sabalenka stated.

In the round of 16 scheduled for Saturday, Sabalenka is slated to compete against Cristina Bucsa, a player representing both Moldova and Spain. Sabalenka will aim to sustain her impressive performance in the competition and move closer to defending her championship.