Sabalenka Extends Tie-Break Streak in US Open Win
Aryna Sabalenka, the defending US Open champion and current world number one, showed once again why she’s one of the most dangerous players in the game right now. Under the lights in New York, she powered her way into the third round with a straight-sets win over Polina Kudermetova, finishing 7-6, 6-2.
What really stood out in this match was Sabalenka’s continued dominance in tie-breaks. She claimed her 17th consecutive tie-break, which is an incredible statistic at this level. That opening set was tight, but as soon as she edged it 7-4 in the breaker, the momentum completely shifted. Kudermetova’s confidence seemed to dip, and from that moment, Sabalenka took control of the match.
Her serve wasn’t flawless—there were moments when she had to fight hard, even saving a couple of break points in the second set—but she dug in, held firm, and then raised her level when it mattered. That ability to stay calm under pressure and turn up the aggression point by point has become a trademark of her game this season. Afterward, Sabalenka explained her mindset simply: she focuses on staying aggressive, treating every point like it could decide the set, and fighting for everything. That mentality is paying off in the biggest way.
Also Read:Beyond the numbers, there’s a bit of history on the line too. Sabalenka is aiming to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to successfully defend the US Open title. Considering how consistent she’s been in New York—making at least the semifinals every year since 2020—that goal feels within reach.
Now, her next challenge will be against Canada’s Leylah Fernandez. Tennis fans will remember Fernandez’s incredible 2021 run here, where she made the final before falling to Emma Raducanu. That match-up promises to be an exciting clash of styles—Sabalenka’s sheer power against Fernandez’s creativity and fight.
Sabalenka’s victory also came on a day when several other top names advanced. Jessica Pegula, last year’s runner-up, cruised past Anna Blinkova in just over an hour. Ninth seed Elena Rybakina had to work harder but survived a scare against Tereza Valentova, while Emma Navarro, Barbora Krejcikova, and Victoria Azarenka also booked their spots in the next round.
But the headline of the night firmly belonged to Sabalenka. Winning streaks in tie-breaks are rare because those moments are designed to test nerves, but for her, they’ve become almost routine. If she keeps holding her ground in those tight situations, it’s hard not to see her as the favorite to lift the trophy again this year.
This was another statement win, another reminder that Aryna Sabalenka thrives when the pressure is at its peak—and at the US Open, pressure is everywhere.
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