Aryna Sabalenka, the world number two and Australian Open champion, continued her impressive run at the US Open by reaching the quarter-finals for the fourth consecutive year. On Sunday, she defeated Elise Mertens of Belgium in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4.
Sabalenka’s victory was a testament to her dominance on the court. She unleashed an impressive 41 winners, including 12 aces, and saved all eight break points she faced. Mertens, a former world number 12, was unable to match Sabalenka’s power and precision.
The Belarusian star has now reached the quarter-finals of the US Open four times in a row, including a runner-up finish to Coco Gauff last year. She also made the semi-finals in 2021 and 2022.
Sabalenka’s next opponent will be either China’s Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen, who she defeated in the Australian Open final, or Donna Vekic of Croatia. Zheng advanced to the fourth round with a victory over Petra Kvitova, while Vekic upset 12th seed Belinda Bencic.
Sabalenka will be the favorite to reach the semi-finals, but she will need to maintain her high level of play. She has been one of the most consistent players on the WTA Tour this year, winning two titles and reaching the final of the French Open.
If Sabalenka can continue her winning ways, she will be a strong contender for the US Open title. She has the power, the experience, and the momentum to make a deep run in the tournament.
