Sabalenka Reaches US Open Fourth Round With Straight-Set Win

Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the fourth round of the US Open with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Kamilla Rakhimova in New York. The Guardian reported that the two-time defending champion completed the straight-set win despite being tested by Rakhimova, maintaining her unbeaten run in sets through the first three rounds of the tournament.

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An unusual interruption came early in the match, when Sabalenka approached chair umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore while leading 3-0 to raise concern about a strong smell of cannabis around the court. Sabalenka later said she could not determine whether it came from the crowd or outside the stadium, noting that windy conditions may have carried the odor into the venue.

The stoppage did not disrupt Sabalenka's control of the contest. According to The Guardian's match report, the Belarusian produced 10 aces and did not face a break point. Those serving numbers helped her navigate the pressure points against Rakhimova and secure her place in the last 16 without requiring a deciding set.

The result also keeps Sabalenka's bid for a third consecutive US Open title alive. Her position at No. 1 remains under pressure during the tournament: The Guardian reported that she must win the title and that world No. 2 Elena Rybakina must be eliminated before the semifinals for Sabalenka to retain the top ranking.

Sabalenka arrived in New York after a difficult stretch by her recent standards. She had not reached a final since winning the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments back-to-back in March. Three victories in New York, all achieved without dropping a set, have nevertheless given her a steady platform as the competition moves into its second week.

A home favorite now stands between Sabalenka and the quarterfinals. Taylor Townsend reached the fourth round by defeating 15th seed Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-7 (3), 6-3. Townsend has made the last 16 for the second consecutive year, setting up a higher-profile test for Sabalenka as the defending champion continues her title and ranking campaigns.