Aryna Sabalenka entered Round 16 of the US Open after defeating Leylah Fernandez with a resounding score line of 6-3, 7-6(2). This very sweet revenge is given to the World No. 1 after losing to Fernandez in the semis of 2021.

Sabalenka held her nerve at the start and broke serve in the first set before closing it out 6-3. There was a feisty contest in the second set, but the reigning champion tore through the tiebreak, rattling off a 6-1 lead before closing it out. This was her sixth time in succession going into the third round of the New York tournament, and now for five years consecutively, she has reached this stage.

It was a lighter moment when a fan proposed to his girlfriend during the match, drawing laughter from Sabalenka, who quipped, "No pressure!" just before serving.

Sabalenka continues her title defense and aims to be the first woman to achieve the feat of winning two US Open titles in a row-for Williams was the only woman to do so.