Aryna Sabalenka Extends US Open Win Streak to 16, Advances to Fourth Round

Aryna Sabalenka kept her bid for a historic third consecutive U.S. Open title alive on Friday, defeating Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4 to reach the fourth round as the tournament entered its second week. The world No. 1 extended her U.S. Open winning streak to 16 matches, remaining firmly on course for a potential three-peat.

Sabalenka, the No. 1 seed and two-time defending champion, was tested more seriously in the second set, which lasted 54 minutes. She responded with 10 aces, 29 winners and did not face a break point, eventually securing the decisive break before closing out the match. Rakhimova, ranked No. 92, had already upset Barbora Krejcikova in the opening round, making her run one of the early surprises in New York.

The victory keeps alive Sabalenka's pursuit of history. She is seeking a third straight U.S. Open crown, a feat last achieved by Serena Williams from 2012-14. Sabalenka won the 2024 final against Jessica Pegula and successfully defended the title against Amanda Anisimova in 2025 after losing the 2023 final to Coco Gauff. She has reached the final on each of her last three U.S. Open appearances.

Her fourth-round opponent is now confirmed as Taylor Townsend, who defeated Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-7(3), 6-3. The American, ranked No. 96, will face Sabalenka with home support behind her, creating a contrasting matchup between Sabalenka's power and Townsend's variety and left-handed game.

Elsewhere, Jessica Pegula rallied past Leylah Fernandez 1-6, 6-4, 6-3, while Sorana Cirstea defeated No. 19 seed Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 6-3. Cirstea, 36, has indicated she is considering retirement after this season, adding significance to her continued run. Emma Navarro also upset No. 7 seed Karolina Muchova, while Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova reached the fourth round.

On the men's side, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz defeated Wu Yibing 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 and will meet Tommy Paul, who beat Alexander Bublik in five sets. Daniil Medvedev defeated Arthur Rinderknech, while Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe also advanced. Stefanos Tsitsipas reached the fourth round for the first time after defeating Jiri Lehecka.

The night also brought an emotional return for Serena and Venus Williams, who reunited in the U.S. Open doubles tournament for the first time since 2022. The sisters lost a dramatic three-set battle to Maya Joint and Hao-Ching Chan, 6-3, 6-7(6), 7-6(10-7), despite leading 5-0 in the deciding match tiebreak.

For Sabalenka, however, the focus now turns to Townsend. With 16 consecutive U.S. Open victories behind her, four more wins would deliver a historic third straight championship and place her alongside the tournament's most dominant champions.