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New Delhi: World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka took her revenge as she finally defeated Leylah Fernandez to seal a fifth consecutive fourth-round appearance in New York. Sabalenka wrapped up the victory in just one hour and 39 minutes with a 6-3, 7-6(2) scoreline.
In the opening set, the Belarusian held firm, saving three break points to take an early lead on Louis Armstrong Stadium. Fernandez pushed hard in the second set and forced a tiebreak, but Sabalenka’s powerful strokes proved too much in the end.
The top seed had unfinished business with the Canadian, who stunned her in the 2021 US Open semifinals. This time, Sabalenka made sure there was no repeat and took complete control to avenge that loss in straight sets.
Reflecting on the win, Sabalenka said, “It was definitely an exciting match. Last time we met, it was a great battle. She played an incredible match, and I wanted this revenge badly, so I’m super happy with the win. She’s a great player, a great competitor and always brings you the fight on court.”
Sabalenka will next face Cristina Bucsa in the round of 16 as she looks to book a place in the quarterfinals. Bucsa advanced after upsetting No.19 seed Elise Mertens 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.
Carlos Alcaraz overcame his first real test of this year’s US Open to book a place in the fourth round with a 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 win over Luciano Darderi. The Spaniard briefly wobbled in the second set, dropping serve for the first time in the tournament but quickly recovered to finish the job in just one hour and 44 minutes.
Midway through the second set, Alcaraz appeared to tweak his right knee and called for a medical timeout at 5-4. Any concerns were quickly eased as he returned to court and strung together seven straight games, closing out the match with trademark speed and power. He later insisted the issue was only precautionary.
The 22-year-old lifted his first Grand Slam trophy at Flushing Meadows in 2022 and looks sharp overall, dictating with his forehand and controlling the longer rallies. Darderi produced some flashes of brilliance including a stunning drop volley to earn his lone break but was otherwise overpowered as Alcaraz continued his strong start in New York.
Alcaraz will next play France’s Arthur Rinderknech, who beat countryman Benjamin Bonzi to set up the clash. Alcaraz holds a 3-0 record in their meetings and remains on course for a possible semifinal showdown with Novak Djokovic if both men advance.
