Top seed Aryna Sabalenka continues to set remarkable standards on the women’s tour. At the US Open, the Belarusian breezed past Spain’s Cristina Bucsa 6-1, 6-4 in just under 80 minutes, not facing a single break point along the way. The win sends her into her 12th consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal—a feat that highlights her dominance and mental resilience.
What makes this achievement even more historic is that Sabalenka has reached the last eight at all four majors this season while holding the No. 1 ranking. Since 2000, only Martina Hingis (2000), Lindsay Davenport (2005), and Serena Williams (2015–16) have managed the same.
For Sabalenka, the secret lies in balance.
“I’m super proud, I think that’s an incredible achievement,” she reflected. “The key has been balancing my life on and off the court. I’ve worked really hard, but I’ve also made time for proper recovery and fun outside tennis. I feel like I’m really enjoying my life, and that makes all the difference.”
So far in New York, she hasn’t dropped a set, though she was pushed to tiebreaks by both Leylah Fernandez and Paula Kudermetova. Her form has been consistent all season, with two WTA 1000 titles and one WTA 500 trophy already secured. Only Jessica Pegula matches her with three titles in 2024.
Embracing the pressures of being at the top, Sabalenka says she thrives under the spotlight. “I’m enjoying being World No. 1. I’m enjoying this pressure. I’m working really hard to be where I am, and for me, it’s about focusing on my game, bringing my best tennis, and fighting every match.”
Her next challenge will be Czech star Marketa Vondrousova, who has put together a dream run in New York. Vondrousova ousted seventh seed Jasmine Paolini before stunning in-form Elena Rybakina 6-4, 5-7, 6-2. Remarkably, she is the first unseeded player since Garbiñe Muguruza at the 2020 Australian Open to defeat multiple Top 10 opponents en route to a major quarterfinal.
For Vondrousova, this comeback is particularly sweet after battling injuries in recent years.
“After everything I’ve been through, it’s amazing to be standing here again,” she said. “It’s been an amazing week so far. I have a great team and great people around me, and we’re having so much fun off the court as well.”
With Sabalenka chasing further milestones and Vondrousova rediscovering her best tennis, their upcoming clash promises to be one of the highlights of the tournament.