Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka averts late Leylah Fernandez revival to seal US Open Last 16 spot

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka has moved into the Last 16 of the 2025 US Open after taking down Leylah Fernandez 6-3, 7-6 on Friday night in New York.

Sabalenka was dialled in during the opening set but Fernandez grew into the game and started to show some of the form which saw her seal the Washington title last month. But in the end, Sabalenka who is usually clutch in tie-breaks proved to be again as she surged past the Canadian.

Next up is also a pretty simple task on paper in comparison perhaps to Fernandez and that is Cristina Bucsa who is in uncharted territory. The Spaniard took down Elise Mertens in three sets earlier today after previously averting Alexandra Eala in the second round. While Bucsa is not who perhaps Sabalenka would be expecting to face, it is also welcome with the Quarter-Finals very much likely.

As mentioned, the tie-break in particular is a real weapon for Sabalenka who now has won 18 straight and is on 21-1 overall this year alone. Fernandez though never broke Sabalenka despite having chances to but it was a statement in the end from the Belarusian in one of her best matches in some time.

More to follow

Match Statistics Sabalenka vs. Fernandez