US Open: Sabalenka makes last 16, crushes Burel

Aryna Sabalenka won against Clara Burel 6-1, 6-1 on Saturday evening and will play the winner of the match between Russian Daria Kasatkina, the No 13 seed, and Belgian qualifier Greet Minnen in the next round

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Tennis Majors

September 2, 2023

US Open •Third round • completed

See draw

C. BurelvsA. Sabalenka

Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, the second seed, reached the last 16 of the US Open by winning against Frenchwoman Clara Burel 6-1, 6-1 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on Saturday evening.

This is Sabalenka’s 47th win of the season – her personal record. With it came her fourth Grand Slam fourth round of the year – another personal best.

“You definitely need to be strong mentally, because it’s two weeks’ tournament, and, like, sometimes some matches you don’t feel your best, and it’s all about your mentality, how you can handle that, how you can focus on things you have to do not on your feelings,” Sabalenka said afterwards when asked about how to succeed at Grand Slams.

“I would say that, of course, physically also have to be ready, but I think it’s more about mentality going deeper in the tournament.”

Sabalenka, ranked No 2, will play Daria Kasatkina, the No 13 seed, next. The Belarusian has a 4-2 edge over the Russian.

“Always tricky matches against her. She’s playing great tennis. Moving really well. Trying to get everything she can back on that side. I feel like I have to be focused and I don’t have to over rush things against her. I just have to stay calm and just wait for the opportunity and take it,” the Belarusian said in her post-match press conference.

Ahead of her victory, the Belarusian beat Belgian Maryna Zanevska (6-3, 6-2) and Jodie Burrage (6-3, 6-2).

Burel, ranked No 62, won against American Caroline Dolehide (6-4, 6-3) and No 25 seed Karolina Pliskova (6-4, 6-2) in the previous rounds of the Flushing Meadow tournament.