Aryna Sabalenka, the No. 2 seed and last year’s US Open runner-up, put on a dominant display in the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows against No. 7 Qinwen Zheng. This match marked a rematch of the Australian Open final earlier in the year, which Sabalenka had won. Despite facing a tough opponent, Sabalenka breezed through the match, only surrendering three games to Zheng.
With the victory over Zheng, Sabalenka secured her spot in the semifinals, where she will face Emma Navarro. This sets up an exciting matchup between Sabalenka, who has been in fine form throughout the tournament, and the upcoming American talent. After her win, Sabalenka expressed her anticipation for the battle ahead, acknowledging Navarro’s skill and determination on the court.
Sabalenka is aiming to achieve a rare feat in women’s tennis by winning both the Australian Open and US Open titles in the same year. With an impressive record of 33 wins out of 36 sets in major tournaments this year, Sabalenka is proving to be a formidable force on the hard court. The Belarusian player’s consistency and determination have helped her reach nine major semifinals since 2021, setting her apart as a top contender in the women’s game.
Despite her remarkable performance, Sabalenka has encountered challenges along the way. The quarterfinal match against Zheng proved to be a tough test, with the Belarusian player having to remain focused and determined to secure the win. Zheng, the gold medalist at the Paris Olympics, put up a strong fight despite her struggles with her first serve percentage. Additionally, the late finish of her previous match affected Zheng’s preparation for the quarterfinal encounter.
As Sabalenka progresses further in the tournament, she is seeking the support of the crowd to cheer her on. After her victory over Zheng, Sabalenka humorously offered to buy drinks for the spectators to win them over. The Belarusian player recognizes the importance of having the backing of the fans, especially when facing tough opponents like Navarro in the semifinals.
With the semifinals showdown against Navarro looming, Sabalenka is focused on her preparation and strategy for the match. She acknowledges the talent and skill of her opponent but remains confident in her ability to come out on top. The upcoming clash promises to be an exciting and closely contested battle, with both players eager to secure a spot in the final at Flushing Meadows.
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