Defending US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka is set for a high-stakes rematch with Leylah Fernandez in the third round of this year’s tournament. The 27-year-old Belarusian star says she is “a better player and person” than she was four years ago when she lost to Fernandez in the 2021 semi-final.

Sabalenka advanced after a tough second-round clash against unseeded Russian Polina Kudermetova, winning 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 in the Arthur Ashe Stadium night session.

“I think I better not remember anything from that match, because I think I changed a lot. I had really tough challenges after that, and I went through. I found myself. I became a better player and a person. So I think it’s going to be a completely different match,” Sabalenka said.

This upcoming match marks their first meeting since that memorable semi-final at Flushing Meadows, which Fernandez won before eventually losing the final to Emma Raducanu.

Sabalenka is aiming to become the first woman to retain the US Open title since Serena Williams in 2014.

“I have to focus on myself. I know that if I’m able to bring my game and fight for every point, I’ll have my chances. I try to bring the best fight possible every time,” she added.

With the rematch set, tennis fans around the world are eagerly anticipating whether Sabalenka can rewrite history this year.

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