Former World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka overcame a dominant first set performance by Danielle Collins in their round of 16 US Open encounter, battling past the American to reach the quarterfinal stage for the second straight year.
Sabalenka erased a slow start in her 3-6 6-3 6-2 victory, despite the crowd fully behind the local favorite. Collins looked to be in control as she powered through the first set, emerging victorious in the groundstroke battle as her Belarusian opponent failed to hit her off the court.
However, the second set saw both ladies remain level with Sabalenka serving at 3-3. The 2021 US Open semifinalist endured a 15-minute service game, where she had to save multiple break points as Collins was unable to capitalize. After winning that battle, Sabalenka would go on to win the next two games, pushing the match to a deciding set.
Collins seemed to lose momentum as this point, as the 2022 Australian Open finalist began to fall apart. She committed some costly double faults, 12 in total, and saw her down 1-4. This was more than enough for Sabalenka, who showed more confidence as the match progressed. The 24-year old maintained her composure and closed out the match, hitting 38 winners to 28 unforced errors in her two and a half hour victory.
The sixth seed will face Karolina Pliskova in an attempt to reach a second consecutive semifinal at Flushing Meadows, as the 2021 Wimbledon runner-up battled past two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka earlier in the day.
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- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??
mandoist08-11-2026 - Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
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- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
