Aryna Sabalenka defeats Rakhimova, eyes historic US Open three-peat

At Arthur Ashe Stadium on the evening of August 30, 2026, Aryna Sabalenka completed her third-round match with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Russian opponent Ekaterina Rakhimova. The second set lasted 54 minutes — longer than her entire second-round match. This is a sign that the 25-year-old opponent raised her level, forcing the Belarusian to concentrate far more than anticipated. On the post-match interview podium, Sabalenka couldn't hide her surprise when praising her opponent: "She played at a really high level. I had to play much better than I thought." That statement reflects what happened on court — Rakhimova didn't just withstand the powerful serve but continuously created rallies that forced the world number one to move more than usual. Sabalenka is on her quest for a third consecutive Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows. This achievement, if completed, would place her among the rare players to accomplish the same feat — alongside legend Serena Williams with her three-year streak from 2026 to 2026. The pressure to defend 2,000 points from last year weighs heavily on her shoulders, but in my observation across many years following major tournaments, Sabalenka has the habit of turning pressure into fuel rather than letting it become a burden. Sabalenka's fourth-round opponent could be Diana Shnaider (15th seed) or Taylor Townsend. Shnaider, 25, has been in impressive form this season and is one of the young players gradually establishing themselves in the top 20. Townsend, with her solid defensive style and years of experience, is always a tough opponent for any seeded player. Alongside Sabalenka's journey, this year's tournament also witnessed another emotional moment. The Williams sisters — Serena and Venus — will return to the court in doubles on Friday evening. This marks the first time in years that New York audiences will witness the 40-year-old legend compete again. Though no longer singles contenders as they were a decade ago, their presence still creates a powerful wave of emotion in the global tennis community. Another notable upset came from Sorana Cirstea. The 36-year-old Romanian defeated Paolini (19th seed) in the third round. This victory is even more special given Cirstea recently revealed she is considering retirement after this season. If these are truly her final matches, every game she wins carries extra meaning — not just points but a farewell to a golden generation of women's tennis. From a tactical perspective, the match between Sabalenka and Rakhimova presented a thought-provoking picture. The first set concluded quickly at 6-3, largely thanks to the powerful serve and dominant baseline play from the top seed. However, the 54-minute second set showed that Rakhimova had adjusted her return position and found the rhythm to extend games. This raises questions about Sabalenka's ability to maintain focus against more patient opponents in later rounds. From the perspective of someone who has watched hundreds of Grand Slam matches, the most notable aspect of Sabalenka isn't the power of her shots — something anyone can see — but how she manages tense moments. The second set had many extended games, Rakhimova repeatedly created break points, but Sabalenka didn't let her emotions waver. That's the sign of a player who has matured from past bitter defeats. Sabalenka's individual statistics this season show she is at peak form. With the world number one position and the Australian Open title earlier in the year, she is the leading contender for the championship. However, the biggest challenge doesn't come from direct opponents but from herself — specifically, having to defend 2,000 ranking points. If she doesn't win the title, her points will drop significantly and the world number one position could be threatened. In the current tennis market, where young players like Shnaider are gradually rising, Sabalenka's ability to maintain a dominant position at age 26 is admirable. The golden generation of 25-30 year olds — including Iga Swiatek on the other side of the draw — are the backbone of the WTA Tour. They are not only technically strong but also have superior mental stability compared to their younger peers. Looking ahead, Sabalenka's journey at this year's US Open is not just a title race but a test of her ability to handle pressure. Each round she advances brings her closer to a place in history — not through the most powerful shots or fastest serves, but through patience and intelligence in every decision on court. That is what truly makes a champion. The tournament continues, and stories are still being written — from Sabalenka's three-peat attempt, the emotional revival from the Williams sisters, to Cirstea's potentially final journey. In New York, every stroke carries a piece of history, and audiences are witnessing moments that will be remembered for years to come.