US Open 2025: Sabalenka and Pegula Hold Their Ground, Andreeva, Paolini, and Navarro Eliminated in Third Round

Several notable results took place from Friday night into Saturday during the third round of the US Open. Both finalists from the 2024 edition are still in contention and will compete in the second week in New York.

World No. 1 and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka avenged her loss to Leylah Fernandez. The Canadian had won their only previous encounter in the semifinals of the 2021 US Open. On Louis Armstrong Stadium, the Belarusian saved all four break points she faced before winning in straight sets (6-3, 7-6).

Still as dominant in tie-breaks, Sabalenka has now won 21 of the 22 tie-breaks she has played in 2025 and is on a streak of 18 consecutive wins since losing one to Ekaterina Alexandrova in February at the Doha tournament.

Sabalenka is now just one win away from securing her No. 1 ranking in the WTA standings at the end of the US Open. For a spot in the quarterfinals, a stage she would reach for the fifth consecutive year at this tournament, she will face Cristina Bucsa.

The Spaniard delivered one of the performances of the day by eliminating Elise Mertens in three sets (3-6, 7-5, 6-3). The world No. 95 thus advances to the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time.

Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula also secured her place in the Round of 16. The American defeated Victoria Azarenka (6-1, 7-5) for the fourth time in seven meetings. A finalist last year, the world No. 4 has still not dropped a single set this year at Flushing Meadows.

Pegula will face her compatriot Ann Li, who defeated Priscilla Hon (7-5, 6-3). The draw for the 31-year-old has opened up, as both Emma Navarro and Mirra Andreeva were eliminated overnight.

A semifinalist last year, the American fell to Barbora Krejcikova (4-6, 6-4, 6-4), despite leading 3-0, 30-0 in the third set before collapsing. The Czech, back in form after missing the first months of the 2025 season due to a back injury, will face Taylor Townsend in the Round of 16.

After her win over Jelena Ostapenko, the 29-year-old followed up with a victory against Andreeva (7-5, 6-2). Ranked 139th in the world before the tournament, Townsend qualifies for the US Open Round of 16 for the second time, six years after the first.

Finally, Jasmine Paolini also exited the tournament after a loss to Marketa Vondrousova (7-6, 6-1). A clash against Elena Rybakina now awaits her for a spot in the quarterfinals.