Aryna Sabalenka dismissed suggestions that last year’s triumph at Flushing Meadows is the main motivation for her 2025 campaign. The defending champion stormed past Spain’s Cristina Bucsa to secure her place in the quarter-finals of the US Open.

Commanding Victory in New York

The 27-year-old Belarusian needed only one hour and 13 minutes to complete a 6-1, 6-4 win under the lights of Louis Armstrong Stadium. Sabalenka dominated throughout, never allowing Bucsa a single break-point opportunity.

Last September, she lifted her first US Open trophy, defeating American Jessica Pegula in the final. That victory marked her third career Grand Slam singles title.

Setbacks and Determination

Despite reaching two major finals this season, Sabalenka has not claimed another Slam in 2025. She fell short in Melbourne, losing to Madison Keys in the Australian Open final, and later suffered defeat to Coco Gauff at Roland Garros.

Speaking about the pressure of defending her crown, Sabalenka explained her mindset clearly. "I'm not playing not to lose, I play to win," she said. "I don't care about what happened last year. I mean, of course it's a big achievement, and I'm super happy I was able to achieve it once, but the goal is to do it many more times. My mentality is going out there every time with the best fighting spirit and just fight for my dream."

Chasing Historic Repeat

Sabalenka is now attempting to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to successfully defend the US Open singles title. She has yet to drop a set in this year’s tournament, showing consistency and confidence.

Her next test will be against 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, who beat Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in a late-night battle.

How the Match Unfolded

Sabalenka broke Bucsa twice in the opening set and wrapped it up in just 27 minutes. Although Bucsa held firm in her first two service games of the second set, Sabalenka seized control in the fifth game with a decisive break. From there, she stayed composed to seal the match and guarantee her place at the top of the world rankings at the end of the tournament.

After the victory, the three-time major winner expressed satisfaction with her form. "I'm super happy with the win. I feel with every game I play, I play better and better and better," she said.