Under the lights at Louis Armstrong Stadium, the defending champion triumphed 6-3, 7-6(2) in 1 hour 39 minutes, avenging her 2021 US Open loss
New York
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka powered past Canada’s Leylah Fernandez to advance into the fourth round of the US Open 2025. Playing under the lights at Louis Armstrong Stadium, the defending champion won 6-3, 7-6(2) in one hour and 39 minutes. The victory was her first against Fernandez, who had beaten her in the 2021 US Open semifinals.
Sabalenka showed composure early, saving three break points in a tense 20-point opening game before holding serve. She then capitalized on Fernandez’s double fault to claim the first break and took the opening set with ease. The second set turned into a gripping battle, featuring loud crowd support and even a surprise marriage proposal from the stands. Neither player surrendered serve, forcing a tiebreak.
In the decider, Sabalenka quickly took control, racing to a 6-1 lead before sealing the match with a blistering cross-court forehand winner. The Belarusian has now won 20 of 21 tiebreaks this season, including 18 straight, underlining her dominance under pressure.
“It was definitely an exciting match. Last time we met, she played an incredible match, and I wanted this revenge badly. She’s a great competitor and always brings the fight,” Sabalenka said afterward.
This marks her fifth straight appearance in the US Open fourth round and her third consecutive straight-sets victory in this year’s campaign. Up next, she faces Spain’s Cristina Bucsa, in what will be their first career meeting.
Focused on her title defense, Sabalenka summed up her approach simply: “Bring the best fighting spirit and fight for my dream.”
