Second seed Aryna Sabalenka charged into her second straight U.S. Open final on Thursday (September 5), overcoming a late-match fight back from American Emma Navarro 6-3 7-6(2) at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The runner-up last year relied on her superior power to subdue the 13th seeded Navarro, sending over 34 winners and closing it out with a satisfying overhead smash on match point.
Navarro took out the defending champion Coco Gauff in the fourth round but was outmatched against the major veteran Sabalenka, even with a passionate home crowd urging her on.
Sabalenka, who jokingly offered the crowd a free round of drinks if they supported her over the home hope, teased the fans after the win: “Now you’re cheering for me – wow – it’s a bit late.”
Sabalenka will now play Jessica Pegula in Saturday’s (September 7) final after the American rallied to defeat Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova 1-6 6-4 6-2 in the second semi-final.
