Aryna Sabalenka survives late-night thriller to reach US Open Round of 16
In a match that began after midnight, World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 to advance to the Round of 16 at the US Open. The match set a new record for the latest start in the history of the tournament.
The late start was due to the lengthy matches played earlier in the day, including the four-hour marathon between Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton and the three-hour battle between Alexei Popyrin and Novak Djokovic. Despite the late hour, Sabalenka and Alexandrova were determined to play on Arthur Ashe Stadium, one of the most prestigious courts in tennis.
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“They asked us for our opinion,” Sabalenka told reporters after the match. “They were keeping the staff on the Grandstand so we would have the possibility to move but there was also a chance of rain. It was tricky. So we were waiting to see how the fourth set [of Popyrin-Djokovic]. If it would go to a fifth set I think we would move to Grandstand. But honestly I would prefer to play to play on such a beautiful stadium than on the Grandstand. It’s a cool court too, but Ashe is different.”
Sabalenka entered the US Open as a strong contender, having won the Cincinnati Open title without dropping a set. However, Alexandrova proved to be a tough opponent, winning the first set comfortably. Sabalenka, though, was able to regroup and turn the match around in the second and third sets.
“Honestly, I think she just crushed it, she played so well,” Sabalenka said of Alexandrova’s performance in the first set. “Honestly, I didn’t really think I would have a chance to come back in the match because she was playing incredible tennis. So I’m really happy that I was able to stay focused no matter and I was able to turn around this match.”
Sabalenka’s victory sets her up for a clash against Elise Mertens in the Round of 16. Mertens defeated Madison Keys in a three-set thriller to advance to the next round. Sabalenka has a dominant 7-2 head-to-head record against Mertens, making her a strong favorite for the match.
The late-night match was a grueling test for both players, but Sabalenka’s resilience and determination allowed her to overcome the challenges and advance to the next round of the US Open.
