Buyun Chaokete advances to the quarterfinals with three consecutive wins, taking home $150,000; Sabalenka seeks advice from Djokovic, determined to defend her US Open title.

Last night, Chinese young talent Buyun Chaokete excited fans with a surge of adrenaline and delivered a pleasant surprise to Chinese supporters by securing three straight victories to reach the quarterfinals at Winston-Salem. At the same time, Sabalenka grabbed fans’ attention during a chance meeting with Djokovic at the US Open training courts, with reports saying the top-ranked player consulted the Serbian to help relieve the pressure of her title defense this year.

This week at the Winston-Salem Open, China’s current top player delivered an extraordinary performance, sweeping the tournament’s top seed Tsitsipas in the previous round while conceding only five games, which reignited many people’s belief in his potential and determination. His next opponent is Argentina’s Navone, ranked 74th in the world, close to Buyun Chaokete’s ranking, so this match will largely depend on their performance and handling of critical points on the day.

From the start, Buyun Chaokete maintained his excellent form from the last match, quickly breaking serve and holding to take a 2-0 lead. Navone broke back in the fourth game to level the score, but Buyun Chaokete stayed composed, capitalizing on Navone’s weak second serve in the fifth game to break again, then solidified his advantage with steady serving and baseline rallies, eventually winning the set 6-4.

Seeing Buyun Chaokete take the first set with such a performance, many fans confidently exclaimed that he was in control: “Xiao Bu’s serve was quite strong, and his opponent’s serve didn’t put much pressure on him. As long as he plays normally in the second set, it should be secure!”

In the second set, after Navone held serve in the opening game, Buyun Chaokete launched a decisive attack in the third game: a sharply angled forehand winner forced a break point, followed by a long 22-shot rally that led Navone to hit out, securing the break. In the fifth game, Buyun Chaokete squandered four break points but Navone held serve. Navone continued his comeback momentum in the sixth game, earning two break points, but Buyun Chaokete withstood the pressure with an ace to save them, held serve, and maintained a 4-2 lead. Both players then held serve until Buyun Chaokete served out the match without giving any chance, scoring consecutive aces to close the set 6-4 and seal the victory.

This marks his first time this season achieving three consecutive wins on the tour, instantly boosting his ranking to a career-high 72nd place, along with earning $20,860, approximately 150,000 RMB—truly a cause for celebration!

After the match, Buyun Chaokete analyzed the key to his victory: “His serve wasn’t very aggressive, so I applied maximum pressure during his service games. Winning three matches in a row gives me great confidence. The temperature and humidity here are very high, which is a big physical challenge.”

In the next round, Buyun Chaokete will face Dutch player Van der Schulp, who came back from 0-6 6-1 6-4 to upset the 10th seed Baez. Buyun Chaokete said, “I know my next opponent well since we train together regularly. I hope to rest well today and perform at my best tomorrow.”

Yesterday, heavy rain in New York forced world number one Sabalenka to stop her outdoor training session, but she soon arrived at the main court where she had a chance encounter with Djokovic and even acted as a ball kid on site. Afterwards, the two had an in-depth conversation, with Sabalenka hoping Djokovic could help her overcome her streak of losses in Grand Slam finals.

Sabalenka admitted: “Novak is the very best. First, training with him is a rare opportunity—not all male players get that chance; second, you can have deep discussions with him, and he offers sincere advice.”

Reportedly, the two had a 30-minute in-depth exchange. Sabalenka said, “Hearing insights from such a legendary player is incredible. We talked about the technical difficulties I’m currently facing, and I’m very grateful for his guidance.”

In fact, this is not the first time they have exchanged technical advice; before this year’s Wimbledon, Sabalenka not only practiced with Djokovic but also consulted him on her technical and mental issues.

In an interview, Djokovic humorously described the advice he gave Sabalenka: “I think you have potential and real talent, your shots are beautiful and your technique is excellent. But honestly, you lack intensity on court; it’s too calm—you need to loosen up a bit.”

Sabalenka acknowledged that Djokovic shared his experience on managing pressure and adjusting mindset. He also emphasized the importance of respecting opponents and maintaining composure after defeats, providing her with valuable psychological guidance.

Sabalenka treasures this friendship deeply, saying: “Having someone like Novak who is like a friend is truly wonderful. You can always turn to him for advice, and I’m very thankful for his support.”

Djokovic also expressed that he felt “greatly honored” that Sabalenka actively sought his advice, praising her as deserving of the world number one ranking and noting how well she balances interests and life off the court.

A netizen wrote: “This kind of exchange between top players exemplifies the spirit of tennis tradition; Djokovic’s experience is an invaluable treasure for Sabalenka.”

With the US Open approaching, Sabalenka turning to the greatest player in history for guidance reveals the unprecedented pressure she faces defending her title. After losing the finals of the first two Grand Slams this year, the US Open is her last chance, and with Swiatek’s strong resurgence, the battle for the world number one spot is even fiercer. Will Sabalenka successfully defend her crown? Let’s wait and see!(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)