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Key Points

Aryna Sabalenka delivered a commanding performance to defeat Leylah Fernandez in straight sets. The victory was particularly meaningful as it avenged her painful 2021 semifinal loss to the Canadian. Sabalenka showed incredible mental strength, especially in tiebreaks where she maintains a remarkable season record. She now advances to face Cristina Bucsa in the fourth round as her title defense continues.

Key Points: Aryna Sabalenka Defeats Leylah Fernandez in US Open Revenge Match

  • Sabalenka won in straight sets 6-3, 7-6(2) under Louis Armstrong Stadium lights
  • She avenged her heartbreaking 2021 US Open semifinal loss to Fernandez
  • The match featured an intense 11-minute opening game with three break points
  • Sabalenka extended her incredible tiebreak record to 20 wins in 21 attempts this season
2 min read

US Open 2025: Aryna Sabalenka battles past Leylah Fernandez into fourth round

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka avenges her 2021 US Open loss to Leylah Fernandez with a straight-sets victory to reach the fourth round at Flushing Meadows.

"I wanted this revenge badly, so I’m super happy with the win. - Aryna Sabalenka"

New York, August 30

Aryna Sabalenka showed why she is the World No. 1 and the defending champion, as she battled past Leylah Fernandez to secure a straight-sets victory 6-3, 7-6(2) in an intense third-round clash at the US Open 2025, as per the official website of WTA.

Under the lights of Louis Armstrong Stadium, Sabalenka delivered a composed and commanding performance, taking 1 hour and 39 minutes to overcome the spirited Canadian. The win was especially sweet for the Belarusian, as she avenged her heartbreaking semifinal loss to Fernandez at the 2021 US Open.

"It was definitely an exciting match," Sabalenka said, as per the official website of WTA.

"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," she added.

The match began with high drama as Fernandez came out firing, earning three break points in the opening game. What followed was an 11-minute, 20-point battle, with the top seed holding her nerve to eventually hold serve.

Sabalenka immediately struck back in the next game, creating two break-points. Though the Canadian saved one with a stunning cross-court backhand winner, she faltered a few games later, double-faulting on break point to hand over the first break of the match. From there, the top seed stayed solid, closing out the first set with ease.

The second set had everything but neither player surrendered serve. Only one break point came Sabalenka's way at 3-3, which she saved with authority, ensuring the set moved into a decisive tiebreak.

She immediately gained a mini-break, then powered her way to a 6-1 lead, sealing the match with a dazzling cross-court forehand winner.

This win marked Sabalenka's 20th tiebreak victory of the season in 21 attempts and her 18th in a row, underlining her mental toughness on the big points. It was also her third straight-sets win of the tournament, keeping her title defense on track.

Up next, Sabalenka faces Cristina Bucsa in the fourth round, their first-ever career meeting, as she continues her march toward back-to-back US Open titles.

"The mindset is to go out there every time, bring the best fighting spirit and just fight for my dream," she said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Stayed up until 3 AM watching this match! Worth every minute. Sabalenka's power game is something else, but Fernandez's fighting spirit was amazing. That 11-minute first game set the tone for the entire match!
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Aryan P
Sabalenka's revenge complete! Remember that 2021 semifinal loss to Fernandez. She's come a long way since then. That tiebreak record is insane - 20/21 this season! 🎾
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Sarah B
While Sabalenka played brilliantly, I wish Fernandez had been more aggressive in the tiebreak. She seemed to play it safe when she needed to go for her shots. Still, great tennis from both!
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Nikhil C
The quality of women's tennis has improved so much! These two are absolute warriors. Sabalenka's composure under pressure is what separates champions from good players. On to the next round! 💪
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Divya L
That cross-court forehand winner to end the match was pure class! Sabalenka is looking unstoppable this tournament. Hope she goes all the way and defends her title successfully.

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