Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula tested but advance at US Open

NEW YORK -- World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and tournament 3-seed Jessica Pegula were both tested during third-round play Friday at the US Open, keeping alive the chances of a third straight meeting on the final weekend.

Sabalanka beat Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 6-4 on Friday. The No. 1 seed was pushed in a second set that lasted 54 minutes -- a minute longer than her entire previous match.

"She played incredible tennis," Sabalenka said. "She really pushed me so hard in the second set and I love when they bring their best tennis because they really push me to improve."