NEW YORK:
Defending US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka says she is “a greater participant and individual” than the one who misplaced to Leylah Fernandez 4 years in the past as they put together for a re-run of their 2021 semi-final.
Sabalenka overcame a spirited problem from unseeded Russian Polina Kudermetova to advance to the third spherical in New York on Wednesday.
World primary Sabalenka edged a tense first set within the Arthur Ashe evening session earlier than placing away Kudermetova 7-6 (7/4), 6-2.
The win despatched Sabalenka by to a primary assembly with Canadian thirty first seed Fernandez since their semi-final conflict at Flushing Meadows 4 years in the past.
Fernandez received that showdown earlier than dropping the ultimate to Emma Raducanu, however Sabalenka is reluctant to dwell on the previous.
“I feel I higher (not) keep in mind something from that match, as a result of I feel I modified loads,” stated Sabalenka.
“I had actually robust challenges after that, and I went by. I discovered myself. I develop into a greater participant and an individual.”
“So I feel it is going to be fully totally different match. I higher simply do not even attempt to keep in mind that match.”
“However, in fact, I do keep in mind a few issues, and I like rematches. So I am really tremendous excited dealing with her right here once more.”
The 27-year-old Sabalenka is bidding to develop into the primary lady to retain the US Open title since Serena Williams in 2014.
“I’ve to concentrate on myself. I do know that if I can deliver my sport and struggle for each level I will have my possibilities. I attempt to deliver the most effective struggle potential each time,” stated Sabalenka.
