Preview: Aryna Sabalenka vs Kamilla Rakhimova prediction, betting tips & odds, head-to-head | US Open 2026
Sabalenka’s second-round match against Polina Iatcenko lasted less than an hour
Aryna Sabalenka was at her ruthless best in the second round against Polina Iatcenko, winning 6-1 6-1. The Belarusian showed no mercy to her Russian opponent, wrapping up the contest in no time. The Belarusian is vying for a rare three-peat at the US Open and must win the title to keep her World No. 1 ranking intact.
Sabalenka is also benefitting from an incredibly generous draw. In contrast to her rivals, her path looks pretty straightforward until the quarter-finals, as seeded players like Barbora Krejčíková and Maja Chwalińska bowed out of the competition in the opening round.
The top seed will next take on World No. 92 Kamilla Rakhimova, who has levelled her best outing at a Grand Slam already by reaching the third round in Flushing Meadows.
The 25-year-old’s only win over a seeded player in 2026 came during the Canadian Open when she defeated Kateřina Siniaková in three sets.
With more success in doubles than singles for the Uzbek, she faces a tall ask against the 4-time Grand Slam champion.
Match details
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- Tournament: US Open 2026
- Round: Round 3
- Date: September 4
- Venue: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York
- Surface: Hard Court
Also Read: US Open 2026: Top five third round matches to watch out for
Preview
Kamilla Rakhimova secured direct qualification for the US Open, but her form heading into New York has been modest. She faltered in the qualifying rounds of the Mexican Open, and suffered second and third round losses at Cincinnati and Toronto respectively.
Her previous Grand Slam appearances this year have seen her lose in the second round at both Wimbledon and Roland Garros, while at the Australian Open she lost to Coco Gauff in straight sets.
Rakhimova has been unable to challenge the top ranked players she has competed against this year so far. Sabalenka, meanwhile, has shown that her past form does not matter to her when she plays tennis on a court where she has won two Grand Slam titles.
Related: Aryna Sabalenka hits back at reporter for ‘stupid question’ after US Open win
This will be the fourth meeting between the two players. Sabalenka has won all of their previous matches, with their most recent exchange taking place at Roland Garros. Their only hard-court contest took place in Washington 2024, with Sabalenka prevailing in three sets.
Form
- Aryna Sabalenka: W-W-L-W-W
- Kamilla Rakhimova: W-W-L-W-L
Head-to-head record
- Matches: 3
- Aryna Sabalenka: 3
- Kamilla Rakhimova: 0
Stats
Aryna Sabalenka
- Sabalenka has a 42-8 win-loss record in the 2026 season
- Sabalenka has a 36-6 win-loss record at the US Open
- Sabalenka has won 75% of matches played on hard courts
Kamilla Rakhimova
- Rakhimova has a 21-24 win-loss record in the 2026 season
- Rakhimova has a 4-5 win-loss record at the US Open
- Rakhimova has won 56% of matches played on hard courts
Related: WATCH: Aryna Sabalenka reveals story behind the jewellery she wears at US Open 2026
Aryna Sabalenka vs Kamilla Rakhimova: Betting tips and odds
- Moneyline: Sabalenka -1695, Rakhimova +790
- Spread: Sabalenka -6.5 (-116), Rakhimova +6.5 (-115)
- Total Games: Over 18.5 (-135), Under 18.5 (+101)
Match prediction
Sabalenka should have too much power and firepower for Rakhimova, with her superior serving and baseline aggression likely allowing her to dictate the tempo from the outset. Rakhimova may struggle to withstand the Belarusian’s sustained pressure, particularly on shorter points.
Given the significant gap in quality and Sabalenka’s ability to raise her level at the biggest stages, expect the top seed to control the match throughout, as she did in her first two rounds.
Result: Aryna Sabalenka to win in straight sets.
Where and how to watch live telecast and live streaming of Aryna Sabalenka vs Kamilla Rakhimova, third-round match at US Open 2026?
Indian viewers can watch the round three clash between Aryna Sabalenka and Kamilla Rakhimova on the Star Sports network and stream the match live on JioHotstar.
In the UK, fans can watch the match live on Sky Sports Tennis and Sky Sports+, or stream it through a NOW Sports Pass. In the USA, viewers can follow the action on ESPN and ESPN+, while live TV streaming services carrying ESPN, including Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV (Orange Plan), and YouTube TV, also provide access.
Where and when will Aryna Sabalenka vs Kamilla Rakhimova third-round match take place at US Open 226?
The third-round clash between Sabalenka and Rakhimova will be played at the Louis Armstrong Stadium on September 4 (Friday). The match is scheduled to begin at 11 am local time (8:30 pm IST).
What is the overall head-to-head record between Aryna Sabalenka and Kamilla Rakhimova?
They have clashed thrice in the past, with Sabalenka winning all three meetings.
Who is the favourite to win the Aryna Sabalenka vs Kamilla Rakhimova third-round match at US Open 2026?
Sabalenka should have too much power and firepower for Rakhimova, with her superior serving and baseline aggression likely allowing her to dictate the tempo from the outset. Rakhimova may struggle to withstand the Belarusian’s sustained pressure, particularly on shorter points. Given the significant gap in quality and Sabalenka’s ability to raise her level at the biggest stages, expect the top seed to control the match throughout, as she did in her first two rounds.
Has Aryna Sabalenka and Kamilla Rakhimova met in Grand Slams before?
Yes, they have met twice in Grand Slams before, with both meetings coming at Roland Garros. Sabalenka won both matches.
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