Serena Williams showed championship heart against Aryna Sabalenka

New York- Serena Williams defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 2-6, and 6-4 to advance to the quarterfinals.

Serena Williams was very aggressive with her serves and made Aryna Sabalenka indecisive in which way to hit the ball early in the first set. Williams had a couple unforced errors that helped Sabalenka win a couple of games. At one point in the set, Sabalenka tied the game up a three apiece. Williams had a couple of forced errors that gave Sabalenka confidence to hit some amazing volleys that kept her within striking distance of stealing close games. Williams had to dig deep and won the set 6-4.

Unforced errors hurt Williams in the second set. Williams was down three games early in the set and had no answer with stopping the power backhand of Sabalenka. Williams tried to get back into the game, but unforced errors kept Williams from winning points. Williams dropped the set 6-2, which set up a third and a winner take all set.

Intensity was settling with both players in the third set. Williams strung together a couple of great serves that won her a couple of games. Williams seemed to gain her composure and confident after winning break points in the the third and fourth to build a 4-1 lead over Sabalenka. Williams dropped consecutive games,which gave hope for Sabalenka, 4-3. Williams finished off the set, winning both of the final games to defeat Sabalenka 6-4.