New York, Aug 30 (UNI) Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka said her formidable tie-break record comes down to “trust” in her game as she beat Canada’s Leylah Fernandez to reach the
US Open last 16.
Top seed Sabalenka secured a 6-2 7-6 (7-2) victory over 2021 runner-up Fernandez in Friday’s night session at Flushing Meadows.
The 27-year-old Belarusian continues her quest to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to achieve back-to-back titles in New York. Success in the second set against Fernandez was Sabalenka’s 18th consecutive winning tie-break.
“When I get to the tie-break I know that there is no time for doubts and I just have to go for my shots,” Sabalenka said. “I’m just reminding myself that I have to trust my game. I have a pretty good feeling.
“I’m trying to stick to the plan of the game, and trying to stay aggressive and put as much pressure
as I can on my opponent.”
Sabalenka’s focus also did not waver as the crowd on Louis Armstrong Stadium erupted at a change of ends – when they saw a wedding proposal on the big screen.”
“It was a very sweet moment, but I was just trying not to start smiling because it’s very cute. I was just trying to keep focusing on my game,” said the three-time major champion.
With a smile, she added: “I don’t want this kind of proposal. But I looked at my boyfriend. No pressure.”
Next Sabalenka goes on to face Spanish surprise package Cristina Bucsa.
Bucsa, 28, reached the fourth round of a major for the first time, fighting back to knock out Belgian 19th seed Elise Mertens in a 3-6 7-5 6-3 victory.
Meanwhile, top-10 seeds Jasmine Paolini and Emma Navarro saw their title bids ended by a pair of Czech former Wimbledon champions, according to a BBC news.
