Azelecs' triumphant reversal over Fernandez unfolds at the US Open, securing her sweet revenge.
Aryna Sabalenka, the current world number one, clinched a hard-fought victory over Leylah Fernandez in the third round of the 2023 U.S. Open. The scoreline read 6-3 7-6(2) in Sabalenka's favour.
The match was not without its dramatic moments. A marriage proposal took place in the stands, adding an unexpected element to the proceedings. However, Sabalenka remained focused, breaking Fernandez's serve in the fourth game of the opening set and saving multiple break points in the opening game.
Sabalenka expressed her happiness about the win, stating, "I'm very happy with the win." She also acknowledged the quality of Fernandez's tennis, calling her a tough opponent.
Despite the proposal, Sabalenka declined to discuss potential wedding bells in her own future. She referred to her boyfriend during the discussion but made it clear that she does not want a proposal like the one that occurred during the match.
The victory moves Sabalenka within four victories of matching Serena Williams' feat of consecutive U.S. Open titles. Sabalenka said she wanted to prove to herself that the lesson was learned and that she had developed as a player.
This was the first time Sabalenka and Fernandez had played each other since the 2021 U.S. Open semi-finals, where Fernandez had won. Sabalenka faced only one more break point in the entire match, extending her record in tiebreaks this season to 20 wins and one loss.
Sabalenka wished the couple a happy marriage and expressed her gratitude for the sweet moment, but her focus remains firmly on her tennis. With her sights set on the next round, Sabalenka is poised to make a serious challenge for the U.S. Open title.
