Aryna Sabalenka Defeats Emma Navarro to Reach U.S. Open Final
Second seed Aryna Sabalenka charged into her second consecutive U.S. Open final on Thursday, overcoming a late-match fightback from American Emma Navarro with a 6-3, 7-6(2) victory at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The Belarusian powerhouse relied on her superior strength and experience to subdue the 13th-seeded Navarro, sending over 34 winners throughout the match. Sabalenka closed out the encounter with a commanding overhead smash on match point, sealing her place in the final.
Navarro, who had impressively eliminated defending champion Coco Gauff in the fourth round, faced a formidable challenge against the major veteran Sabalenka. Despite the passionate support from the home crowd, Navarro was unable to overcome Sabalenka’s aggressive play.
Sabalenka, acknowledging the spirited audience, jokingly offered the crowd a free round of drinks if they supported her over the home favorite. After her win, she teased the fans: “Now you’re cheering for me—wow—it’s a bit late.”
“Even though you guys were supporting her, I had the goosebumps,” Sabalenka said in her post-match interview. “She’s such a great player, a really tough opponent.”
The victory sets Sabalenka up for a chance to claim her first U.S. Open title, building on her impressive performance from last year. Tennis enthusiasts around the world will be eagerly awaiting the final, where Sabalenka aims to secure Grand Slam glory.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
