"It gives me so much belief that I would like to go for baby and come back" - Aryna Sabalenka hails Caroline Wozniacki as an inspiration

Aryna Sabalenka has cruised into the fourth round of the 2023 US Open, beating Clara Burel in the third round on Saturday, August 2. The Belarusian faced little trouble against Burel, brushing her aside 6-1, 6-1 in just an hour.

Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion, hit 22 winners and saved the lone break point she faced in the contest.

In her post-match press conference, Aryna Sabalenka was asked for her thoughts on Caroline Wozniacki's comeback to tennis after a three-and-a-half-year hiatus. Wozniacki has reached the fourth round of the US Open, having beaten Petra Kvitova and Jennifer Brady along the way.

Sabalenka responded that the Dane was an inspiration for other female players, including herself, making them believe that a return to professional tennis after giving birth was possible. Wozniacki welcomed two children in the three years after her retirement and returned to tennis at the 2023 Canadian Open in August.

Sabalenka added that she was particularly impressed by the 33-year-old's level, noting that the time away from the court had not impacted Wozniacki's game style in any way.

"Yeah, I think that's amazing. That's just something amazing. She was out for three-and-a-half years, having two kids, and came back in tennis and still play her best. I feel like if you have this level you will never lose it, it feels like when you watch them," Sabalenka said.

"It gives so much belief to me if one day I would like to go for baby I'll have some chances to come back. So thank you for that (smiling). And, yeah, just such an inspiration. I'm really happy for her," she continued.

Caroline Wozniacki entered the US Open main draw via a wildcard and will face No. 6 seed Coco Gauff in the fourth round on Sunday, August 3. So far, the former World No. 1 has bettered Tatiana Prozorova, No. 11 seed Petra Kvitova, and former Slam finalist Jennifer Brady.

Aryna Sabalenka to face Daria Kasatkina in R4 at US Open

Aryna Sabalenka at US Open

Aryna Sabalenka has swept aside all her opponents in New York so far, defeating Maryna Zanevska, Jodie Burrage and Clara Burel in straight sets. However, her next rival might cause her some trouble.

The Belarusian will go up against No. 13 seed Daria Kasatkina of Russia in the fourth round on Monday.

Sabalenka leads Kasatkina 4-2 in the head-to-head record, most recently downing her 6-3, 6-3 in the Western and Southern Open third round two weeks ago.

Kasatkina on her part is into the fourth round in New York for the second time in her career. She has been made to work hard to earn her place in the second week this year.

Kasatkina outlasted Americans Alycia Parks and Sofia Kenin in close three-setters before downing Greet Minnen in the third round in straight sets.

Aryna Sabalenka's said her game plan is clear against Kasatkina: remain calm and stay in the rallies. The Belarusian is aware of Kasatkina's tenacity and hopes to exploit her opportunities when she goes up against the Russian.

"Always tricky matches against her. She's playing great tennis. Moving really well. Trying to get everything she can back on that side. I feel like I have to be focused and I don't have to overrush things against her. I just have to stay calm and just wait for the opportunity and take it," Sabalenka said about Kasatkina in her post-match press conference.