Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one and two-time defending champion, showcased her formidable skills as she advanced to the fourth round of the US Open. On Friday, Sabalenka faced Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova, winning the match with a score of 6-3, 6-4, to secure her place in the round of 16.
Throughout the match, Sabalenka displayed her power, hitting 29 winners and serving 10 aces, all while managing to avoid any break points against her. However, the match was not without its challenges, as Rakhimova, ranked 92nd in the world, pushed Sabalenka to her limits, particularly in a competitive second set.
After the match, Sabalenka praised Rakhimova's performance, stating, "She played incredible tennis, she really pushed me so hard in the second set. I'm super happy that I was able to close this match in straight sets because she's a fighter." This acknowledgment reflects the growing competitiveness in women's tennis, where lower-ranked players are increasingly capable of challenging top seeds.
Sabalenka began the match strongly, breaking Rakhimova's serve in the first game and maintaining her own serve with relative ease. She dominated the first set, clinching it in just 35 minutes without missing a first serve until the seventh game. This strong start set the tone for the match, but Rakhimova responded in the second set, increasing her intensity and making it a more challenging affair.
In the second set, both players held serve with powerful games, but it was Sabalenka who managed to secure a crucial break at 5-4, allowing her to serve for the match. This victory is particularly significant for Sabalenka as she aims to defend her title and maintain her number one ranking amidst fierce competition.
Looking ahead, Sabalenka is set to face either the 15th-seeded Diana Shnaider or the 96th-ranked Taylor Townsend in the next round. Notably, Shnaider previously eliminated Sabalenka in the quarter-finals of the French Open earlier this year, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their potential matchup.
Despite her recent struggles, including not winning a title since her impressive back-to-back victories at Indian Wells and Miami in March, Sabalenka remains focused on her goal. She is looking to make history by becoming only the third woman to win three consecutive US Open titles, joining the ranks of legends Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. To achieve this, Sabalenka emphasizes the importance of tuning out external expectations, stating, "I completely shut down the noise from outside. I'm trying to focus on myself. I know if I'm focused on myself, if I'm pushing myself really hard I know I will have my chances on court."
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