In a dramatic late-night encounter at the US Open 2024, Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning runner-up, fought back from a shaky start to secure a 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory over 29th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova in the third round. The match began at 12:08 AM, marking one of the latest starts in US Open history, with fans still buzzing from Alexei Popyrin’s upset win over defending champion Novak Djokovic earlier in the evening.
The Australian Open champion Sabalenka initially struggled, dropping the first set in 33 minutes amidst a string of unforced errors. “I don’t know what I did, I was just trying to stay low, put as many balls as I can back on that side. She played incredible tennis in the first set. It was really tough to change it,” Sabalenka admitted.
However, the 26-year-old Belarusian swiftly found her rhythm in the second set, breaking for a 3-1 lead and never looking back. Her powerful game overwhelmed her spirited Russian opponent, leveling the match with a breathtaking display. “I’m really happy I was able to turn around this match and get this really difficult win,” a relieved Sabalenka shared.
Despite going up 5-0 in the deciding set, Sabalenka was surprisingly broken. But she quickly regained control, delivering the final blow with a backhand winner that sent the remaining fans home delighted. “Thanks so much for staying that late,” Sabalenka said with a smile as the clock neared 2 AM.
Sabalenka’s victory earns her a spot in the Round of 16, where she will face a new challenge in her pursuit of the US Open title. Her resilience and ability to turn the match around despite the late hour showcase her mental toughness and determination, setting the stage for another exciting chapter in her US Open journey.
