Aryna
Sabalenka triumphed in her challenge against Kasatkina, winning 6-1, 6-3, and
celebrated in her first match since securing the world No. 1 ranking.
Kasatkina
was playing in her ninth consecutive US Open but had only reached the fourth
round once, in 2017. This marks the second time this year she has made it to
the second week of a Grand Slam, including the French Open.
She had
three impressive victories against local favorite Alycia Parks, the former
Australian Open champion, and world No. 97 Greet Minnen.
Sabalenka
played her first match as the world No. 1, at least according to the live
ranking, as her ascent to the top was guaranteed starting next Monday, ending
Iga Swiatek's 74-week reign as the Polish dominator.
World No. 2
and world No. 13 maintained a 4-2 record in favor of Sabalenka, who won their
last encounter just two weeks ago at the Cincinnati Open, 6-3, 6-3.
From the
very first game, Sabalenka showed she arrived with the confidence of being the
new world No. 1, securing three service breaks against Kasatkina and conceding
only one game to take a 6-1 lead.
The
Belarusian won 68% of the points played in the first set and capitalized on
Kasatkina's weakness in her second serve, as she won only 13% of those points.
The second
set maintained the tone of the first, with Sabalenka securing two more breaks,
meaning Kasatkina couldn't win any of her first five service games.
World No.
14 defended her service for the first time in the fifth game of the second set,
saving a break point. However, it was the only time she could hold her service,
as Sabalenka finally take the set 6-3.
In the
quarterfinals, she will face the young star Zheng Qinwen, who overcame Ons
Jabeur 6-2, 6-4. The 20-year-old Chinese player reached the quarterfinals of a
Grand Slam for the first time in her career and has no previous encounters with
Sabalenka.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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