Aryna Sabalenka avenged her 2021 US Open semi-final loss to Leylah Fernandez on Friday, securing a 6-3, 7-6(2) victory to advance to the fourth round.
The win wiped away the sting of her heartbreaking loss to Fernandez two years ago, their only previous encounter.
“I really wanted this revenge,” Sabalenka said after the match. “I’m very happy with the win.”
Fernandez came out strong, earning several break points in the opening game, but Sabalenka stood her ground, holding serve and breaking Fernandez in the fourth game following a costly double fault.
From that moment on, the Belarusian dominated, saving the only other break point she faced with a powerful service winner.
The second set was much tighter, with both players holding serve until the tiebreak. Sabalenka surged to a 6-1 lead in the tiebreaker and sealed the win with a forehand winner, extending her season tiebreak record to an impressive 20-1.
“In tiebreaks, there’s no time for doubts. I just go for my shots, stay aggressive, and keep the pressure on,” Sabalenka said.
The victory maintains Sabalenka’s flawless third-round record at the US Open, now at 6-0, and moves her just four wins away from matching Serena Williams’ back-to-back titles from over a decade ago.
Sabalenka also praised Fernandez’s performance, acknowledging, “She’s a tough opponent, she’s improving, and she played incredible tennis today. Just a few points made the difference.”
Reflecting on her 2021 loss to Fernandez, Sabalenka added, “It was a tough lesson. I wanted to prove that I’ve developed as a player and could get this win.”
In a lighter moment, a fan proposed marriage during the match, prompting Sabalenka to laugh: “It’s the first time someone proposed during my match. It was sweet, but I had to stay focused. And no, I don’t want this kind of proposal.”
AFP
