Aryna Sabalenka, the No. 2 seed and last year’s US Open runner-up, demonstrated her dominance on the court by overpowering Qinwen Zheng, surrendering only three games in their quarterfinal match. This victory secured Sabalenka a spot in the semifinals at Flushing Meadows for the fourth consecutive year. The match against No. 7 Zheng was highly anticipated as it was a rematch of the Australian Open final in January, which Sabalenka had won. Despite the pressure, Sabalenka delivered a stellar performance, showcasing her powerful game and setting up a semifinal clash with Emma Navarro on Thursday.
In a post-match interview with ESPN’s Pam Shriver, Sabalenka was asked about how she plans to win over more fans. Sabalenka humorously responded by offering drinks to the spectators and asking for their support in her upcoming match against Navarro. This interaction displayed Sabalenka’s lighthearted nature and her desire to connect with the audience. Sabalenka acknowledged Navarro’s skills and anticipated a tough battle on the court, emphasizing her excitement for the challenge ahead.
Sabalenka’s remarkable performance at the US Open is not only about advancing through the rounds but also about her pursuit of a historic milestone. She aims to become the first woman since Angelique Kerber in 2016 to win both the Australian Open and US Open titles on hard courts in the same year. With an impressive record of winning 33 out of 36 sets in majors this year, Sabalenka has established herself as a formidable force in women’s tennis. Her consistency and determination have fueled her success and placed her among the elite players on the tour.
While Sabalenka’s dominance has been evident in her matches, her opponents have also faced their own struggles. Zheng, the gold medalist at the Paris Olympics, could only manage to win three games against Sabalenka, marking her fewest games won in a Grand Slam match. Zheng cited fatigue and lack of preparation due to the late finish of her previous match as contributing factors to her performance. Despite these challenges, Zheng recognized Sabalenka’s superior play and expressed her respect for her opponent’s skills.
As Sabalenka progresses to the semifinals at the US Open, her journey is met with anticipation and excitement. The possibility of achieving a monumental feat by winning the major titles on hard courts adds to the intrigue of Sabalenka’s campaign. With the support of fans and her unwavering determination, Sabalenka is poised to make a lasting impact in the world of tennis. The upcoming matches will test Sabalenka’s skills and mental fortitude, but her resilience and competitive spirit suggest that she is ready to rise to the challenge and etch her name in the annals of tennis history.