Aryna Sabalenka embracing Leylah Fernandez rematch after second-round US Open win over Polina Kudermetova - 'I found myself'

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka feels she has "changed a lot" since her US Open semi-final defeat to Leylah Fernandez in 2021, and is embracing her third-round meeting with the Canadian after beating Polina Kudermetova in straight sets on Wednesday. Sabalenka, defending her crown at Flushing Meadows, won yet another tie-break to extend her impressive record, before closing out the match with ease.

Aryna Sabalenka said she has become a "better player and person" since her US Open semi-final loss against Leylah Fernandez in 2021, and feels better equipped to face the Canadian in the third round of this year's tournament.

The world No. 1 was speaking after her 7-6(4) 6-2 victory over Polina Kudermetova in the second round on Wednesday, as she remains in a strong position to defend her crown and clinch a first Grand Slam title of the season.

Sabalenka meets 2021 runner-up Fernandez in the next round, her only previous meeting with the 22-year-old coming four years ago, when the No. 2 seed suffered a big upset at Flushing Meadows. The defending champion said she underwent a lot of personal growth since that defeat.

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"I don't remember anything from that match, because I think I changed a lot," Sabalenka said. "I had really tough challenges after that, and I went through. I found myself. I become a better player and a person.

"So I think it's going to be a completely different match. I just don't even try to remember that match. But, of course, I do remember a couple of things, and I love rematches. So I'm actually super excited facing her here again."

Sabalenka suffered an early scare against Kudermetova, with her No. 67-ranked opponent gaining an immediate break advantage, having tussled on deuce and the top-seed initially saving four break points.

But the three-time Grand Slam champion fought back to level the scores immediately, seizing her opponent's serve with her second break point, and they exchanged holds of serve until a tie-break - a comfortable outcome for Sabalenka given her success in the high-octane shoot-outs this campaign.

Three mini-breaks was enough to seal the opening set for Sabalenka, who took her imperious tie-break record to 19-1 for the season, having already clinched a women's record for the Open era.

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Asked on-court why she has been so successful in tie-breaks this year, Sabalenka responded: "Honestly, I don’t know. I’m just trying to stay aggressive and fight for every point. I know every point can be a key moment of the set so I’m just trying to stay strong and play aggressive."

Sabalenka moved a step towards victory when she clinched a break for a 2-1 lead in the second set, but could well have been chalked back if not for some solid defence to save two break points in her subsequent service game.

But when she once again seized Kudermetova's serve on deuce for 4-1, the victory was all but ensured.

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Video credit: SNTV

Sabalenka could be on a collision course with British No. 1 and 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu, should both players reach the quarter-final in New York.

If they are to meet, it would be a third clash between them in around two months, having played out competitive ties at Wimbledon and Cincinnati.

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