In the latest-starting match in U.S. Open history, Aryna Sabalenka overcame a slow start to defeat Ekaterina Alexandrova 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 in the early hours of Saturday morning. The No. 2 seed didn't begin her match until 12:07 a.m. and found herself trailing after dropping the first set in just over half an hour. However, Sabalenka quickly turned the tide by winning 10 consecutive games early in the second set, establishing a commanding 5-0 lead in the third set.
The match concluded at 1:48 a.m., marking one of the latest endings to a women's match at the U.S. Open. Sabalenka's victory sets up a fourth-round clash with No. 33 seed Elise Mertens scheduled for Sunday.
