Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula each earned a place in the fourth round of the U.S. Open on Friday, overcoming unique challenges that tested their focus and resilience.
Sabalenka battles both opponent and odor
World No. 1 Sabalenka defeated Kazakhstan’s Kamilla Rakhimova 6‑3, 6‑4 at Louis Armstrong Stadium. The second set stretched to 54 minutes, a full minute longer than the entire first set, indicating how hard Rakhimova pushed the Belarusian champion.
During the third game of the match, Sabalenka noticed a strong smell of marijuana drifting onto the court. She paused, approached the chair umpire, and politely asked that smoking not occur near the playing area. “You can do whatever you want, but please don’t do it around the tennis courts,” she said. “It’s a bit tricky to handle that smell while you’re trying to compete at your best.”
Sabalenka praised Rakhimova’s effort, noting, “She really pushed me so hard in the second set and I love when they bring their best tennis because they really push me to improve.”
Pegula rallies from a rough start
Third‑seed Jessica Pegula faced 2021 US Open runner‑up Leylah Fernandez. After a lopsided 1‑6 first set—where Pegula managed only five of 16 first‑serve attempts—she steadied her game, taking the next two sets 6‑4, 6‑3 to move on.
Pegula, who fell to Sabalenka in the 2024 final and again in last year’s semifinal, will next meet Romania’s Sorana Cîrstea, a 36‑year‑old contemplating retirement after this season. Cîrstea earned her spot by defeating Jasmine Paolini 6‑3, 6‑3 in the previous round.
What’s next for the contenders?
Sabalenka, aiming to become the first player since Serena Williams (2012‑14) to win three consecutive U.S. Open titles, will face either No. 15 seed Diana Shnaider or Taylor Townsend in the round of 16.
Meanwhile, the Williams sisters returned to the tournament for the first time since 2022, teaming up for a first‑round doubles match against Hao‑Ching Chan and Maya Joint, the pair who upset Serena at Wimbledon earlier this summer.
Other action on the courts
Defending men’s champion Carlos Alcaraz also competed on Friday, adding to the day’s high‑profile matchups.
Both Sabalenka and Pegula’s victories underscore the depth of talent at this year’s US Open and set the stage for compelling battles as the tournament moves deeper into the second week.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
