US Open: Sabalenka's Powerful Performance Sends Bucsa Home

Aryna Sabalenka cruises into US Open quarterfinals with dominant win


Aryna Sabalenka's powerful forehand and precise shots prove too much for Bucsa, as she reaches the US Open quarterfinals with a convincing 6-1, 6-4 win...


“I think the key is balancing on-court and off-court life. I've done a great job balancing really hard work and also...”


Aryna Sabalenka cruised into the US Open quarterfinals with a dominant 6-1, 6-4 win over unseeded Spaniard Cristina Bucsa on Sunday. This marks Sabalenka's fourth consecutive year reaching the quarterfinals at the US Open. As the world number one, Sabalenka is ramping up her bid for a first Grand Slam title this year after finishing as runner-up in the Australian and French Open finals.


“I was super happy with the straight-sets win. The second set was a little tricky, but I'm glad that I was able to close it without dropping my serve,” Sabalenka told reporters.


“I felt really in control and then there was a really long game when I was 4-2 up (in the second set), and I felt I should have broken serve. She played some great points in that game.”


“Yeah, maybe I got a little frustrated because I didn't close out that game, because I was so close. Overall, I'm happy with my performance.”


The match began with Sabalenka seizing the initiative, taking an early break in the opening set. She built a 5-1 advantage, showcasing her skill with a powerful overhead smash at the net, before wrapping up the set in just 27 minutes. Bucsa struggled to find her rhythm, looking rattled as Sabalenka's precise shots left her with few answers.




The second set saw Bucsa mount a brief resurgence, but Sabalenka's experience and skill ultimately paid off. A crucial break in the fifth game, courtesy of a thunderous forehand winner, helped Sabalenka take control. Despite Bucsa's efforts, Sabalenka's serve proved unbeatable, with the world No. 1 winning 82% of her first-serve points. This victory advances Sabalenka to the quarterfinals, where she'll face the winner of the match between Elena Rybakina and Marketa Vondrousova.


The match's pivotal moment came when Sabalenka held strong after a tense 10-minute game at 3-4 in the second set. Bucsa momentarily rallied, waving her arms to energize the crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium, but Sabalenka's skill and composure ultimately paid off.


Sabalenka's victory marks her 12th consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance, showcasing her consistency and prowess. She'll next face the winner of the Elena Rybakina vs. Marketa Vondrousova match. Sabalenka's performance against Bucsa was impressive, with 3 aces and 26 first-serve points won. Her powerful forehand and precise shots left Bucsa struggling to find her rhythm.


Sabalenka's recent form has been remarkable, with 27 hard-court match wins this year. Only Emma Navarro (29 wins) and Iga Swiatek (28 wins) have achieved more wins on the surface. This win sets the stage for another exciting match, as Sabalenka looks to continue her strong performance.


“I'm super proud. I think that's an incredible achievement,” Sabalenka said.


“I think the key is balancing on-court and off-court life. I've done a great job balancing really hard work and also great recovery and (having) some fun times outside the court.”


“That's been the key. I feel like I'm really enjoying my journey and my life. I think that's the main thing.”



Sabalenka's victory over Bucsa was her most comfortable win in New York this year, showcasing her impressive form. She conceded just one break of serve in the entire match, highlighting her dominance. With this win, Sabalenka inches closer to becoming the first woman since Serena Williams (2012-14) to win consecutive US Open titles.


Sabalenka's Performance:

  • Matches Won: 27 hard-court matches this year, with only Emma Navarro (29) and Iga Swiatek (28) winning more
  • Grand Slam Quarterfinals: 10 times, all in her last 12 Grand Slam appearances
  • US Open Wins: 25 Women's Singles match wins at the US Open, second only to Kim Clijsters (30 wins in fewer matches)



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