Even a marriage proposal in the stands didn't move Sabalenka in the US

Even a marriage proposal from a fan in the stands couldn't distract Aryna Sabalenka, and she got revenge from Leila Fernandez at the US Open - 6:3, 7:6(2), BTA reports. Thus, Aryna kept her hopes of becoming the first tennis player since Serena Williams to win back-to-back titles at Flushing Meadows. During the match, a fan proposed to her partner in the stands at "Louis Armstrong" Stadium, but Sabalenka kept her concentration and didn't let the romantic moment distract her from her goal.

The world number one got revenge from Fernandez for the three-set defeat in the semifinals in 2021. Sabalenka started stiffly, surviving a marathon first game with three break points before finding her rhythm and overcoming the Canadian's resistance in two sets.

Sabalenka continues her goal of defending the trophy and equaling Serena Williams, who repeated her title in New York more than a decade ago.
"I think this is the first time someone has proposed during my match," Sabalenka said. "It was a very sweet moment, but I was just trying not to smile and stay focused. It was very sweet and I believe they are super happy right now."

The fans started cheering as soon as they saw the man get down on one knee with the ring in his hand and he waved his arms to encourage them to shout louder. Some took out their cell phones to record the moment as the woman said "I do" through her tears of joy.

In another match, fifth-seeded Russian tennis player Mira Andreeva lost to American Taylor Townsend in the third round 5-7, 2-6 in 77 minutes of play.
American Jessica Pegula, number 4 in the draw, defeated Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 6-1, 7-5.