Defending US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka says she is "a better player and person" than the one who lost to Leylah Fernandez four years ago as they prepare for a re-run of their 2021 semi-final. Sabalenka overcame a spirited challenge from unseeded Russian Polina Kudermetova to advance to the third round in New York on Wednesday. 

World number one Sabalenka edged a tense first set in the Arthur Ashe night session before putting away Kudermetova 7-6 (7/4), 6-2. The win sent Sabalenka through to a first meeting with Canadian 31st seed Fernandez since their semi-final clash at Flushing Meadows four years ago. Fernandez won that showdown before losing the final to Emma Raducanu, but Sabalenka is reluctant to dwell on the past. 

"I think I better (not) remember anything from that match, because I think I changed a lot," said Sabalenka. "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 completely different match. I better just don't even try to remember that match.