Sabalenka eyes revenge as Djokovic and Raducanu aim for resurgence

The U.S. Open kicks off its third round on Friday, with defending champion Aryna Sabalenka looking to avenge an old loss to Leylah Fernandez, while Novak Djokovic and Emma Raducanu bid to strengthen their title bids.

TOP WOMEN'S MATCH: ARYNA SABALENKA V LEYLAH FERNANDEZ

Aryna Sabalenka looked favourite to win her maiden Grand Slam at the U.S. Open in 2021 after top seed Ashleigh Barty suffered a shock third-round exit.

But the Belarusian, who had brushed aside three seeded opponents in straight sets to reach the last four, went down to unseeded Leylah Fernandez, who in turn lost the final to a qualifier, Emma Raducanu.

Since then, Sabalenka has won three Grand Slams, but the defending champion did not get a chance to avenge her loss to the Canadian four years ago, until now.

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

"So I think it's going to be a completely different match. I bet I just don't even try to remember that match... I love rematches. So I'm actually super excited facing her here again."

Fernandez has struggled since reaching the French Open quarter-finals in 2022, never making it past the third round of a Grand Slam.

But the 22-year-old won her first WTA title since 2023 at the Washington Open last month, and will look to carry that momentum with the hope of pulling off yet another upset against the world number one.

TOP MEN'S MATCH: NOVAK DJOKOVIC V CAMERON NORRIE

Novak Djokovic kept his quest for a record 25th slam on track after being given a brief scare against Zachary Svajda in the second round, where he fought back from a