Aryna Sabalenka moved into the second week of the US Open on Saturday 6-1, 6-1 over France’s Clara Burel as the second seed kept up the chase for a second Grand Slam title this season.
Reigning Australian Open champion Sablenka completed a match set of fourth-round appearances at the majors this season as she mowed down her outclassed opponent in 61 minutes.
The winner is working to overhaul WTA No. 1 Iga Swiatek at the top of the rankings but must match the performance of the steady Pole here.
The victory over qualifier Burel – 47th of the year for Sabalenka – duplicated a similar win here a year ago – also in the third round and also with the loss of just two games.
Sabalenka advanced with 21 winners, sealing victory with a backhand on second match point.
“I think I played really great tennis today, I’m just super happy with this win.
“I felt pretty comfortable on court today.”
No. 62 Burel, the 2018 junior runner-up, has now lost all five of her meetings with Top 5 opponents and has won a singles set over the losing streak.
Sabalenka takes a 4-2 record into next week’s clash with Daria Kasatkina, who booked her spot 6-3, 6-4 over Belgian qualifier Greet Minnen.
“It’s always tricky matches against her, she’s playing great tennis, moving really well,” Sabalenka said of her next opponent.
“I have to be focused and not rush things against her. I just have to stay calm, wait for the opportunity and take it.”
The second seed has yet to be scheduled on the Ashe showcase court, a venue she would love to now use.
“Of course I would like to play on Ashe; it’s a different atmosphere,” she said.
“Armstrong (court) gives me so much support and I like playing there, but I hope the next match will be on Ashe.”
Third-seeded Jessica Pegula moved to one win away from her seventh quarter-final at the grand Slam with a fighting 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 defeat of popular Ukrainian Elina Svitolina.
The US No. 1 moved into a fourth-round clash with compariot and 2017 finalist Madison Keys, who sparked memories of her better days here with a 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 fightback to put out Liudmila Samsonova.
Pegula earned a personal-best 46th win of the season and stands 1102 this summer on North American hardcourts after winning the Montreal trophy last month.
The seed defeated Svitolina for the fourth time in five matches, advancing as her opponent’s return landed long on match point.after breaking twice in the deciding set.
“I knew no matter what, she wasn’t going to go away,” Pegula said.“
“She’s been playing amazing. She really picked up her level and forced me to go after that third set.”
Main photo:- Aryna Sabalenka wins third round match Photo Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
