Second seed Aryna Sabalenka (26) advanced to her second consecutive US Open final on Thursday, defeating 13th seed Emma Navarro (23) in a thrilling 6-3, 7-6 victory at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Sabalenka, the 2022 runner-up, relied on her raw power and experience to overcome the spirited Navarro, securing the win with an impressive overhead smash on match point.
Throughout the match, Sabalenka’s powerful baseline game was on full display, delivering 34 winners and dominating key moments to hold off Navarro’s determined fightback. Though the American was backed by a supportive home crowd, Sabalenka remained focused and composed in crucial points, cementing her place in another US Open final.
The match began with both players showing their intent to attack. Early in the first set, the two exchanged breaks, setting the stage for what looked like a tightly contested battle. However, Sabalenka soon found her rhythm, controlling the rallies with her power and precision.
Navarro, who upset defending champion Coco Gauff in the fourth round, struggled to maintain consistency against Sabalenka’s aggressive shot-making. In the sixth game of the first set, Sabalenka broke her opponent’s serve with a forehand winner, gaining the critical advantage. She then consolidated her lead, saving a break point in the following game with an unreturnable serve. Sabalenka closed out the set 6-3, putting herself in a strong position.
Navarro’s Fightback
The second set began with a dramatic twist as Navarro injured her knee while chasing down a shot midway through the set. Despite the setback, the American refused to give up and continued to battle from the baseline. Sabalenka looked poised to run away with the match after breaking Navarro’s serve in the fifth game, but Navarro showed resilience, breaking back in the 10th game to level the score.
As the set progressed to a tiebreak, Sabalenka’s frustration briefly surfaced. After committing a double fault to give Navarro a 2-0 lead in the tiebreak, Sabalenka sarcastically gestured a thumbs-up toward her coach’s box. But the Belarusian quickly regained her composure, winning an 18-shot rally at the net and regaining control. With her relentless pressure, Sabalenka secured the tiebreak 7-6, clinching the victory and her place in the final.
Sabalenka’s Confidence Shines
After the match, Sabalenka reflected on her ability to remain composed in high-pressure situations. “I’m really happy to see that in those key moments I’m able to stay focused and just try to do my best,” Sabalenka said. “Even if things are not working well for me, I still keep doing the right things and stay in control.”
Sabalenka’s journey to the final has been marked by consistent performance, and her ability to stay calm under pressure has been a defining feature of her play. The Belarusian, who jokingly offered the New York crowd a round of drinks if they cheered for her over their home favorite, won over the audience with her post-match comments. “Now you’re cheering for me—wow, it’s a bit late,” she teased.
Sabalenka also praised her opponent, acknowledging the difficulty of facing Navarro, who had previously beaten her on hard courts at Indian Wells earlier this year. “She’s such a great player, really tough opponent,” Sabalenka said, emphasizing Navarro’s potential despite the loss.
One of the pivotal moments in the match came in the first set, where Sabalenka managed to secure a break in the sixth game. Her forehand winner gave her the momentum she needed to take control, and her ability to extinguish Navarro’s break point chance in the next game helped her maintain the lead.
In the second set, Navarro’s knee injury appeared to hinder her movement, but the American’s refusal to give up kept the match competitive. Sabalenka’s break in the fifth game seemed to signal the end for Navarro, but the American fought back, breaking Sabalenka’s serve in the 10th game to level the set.
The tiebreak was another crucial point, as Sabalenka’s initial struggles, including a double fault, gave Navarro hope. However, Sabalenka’s ability to win a lengthy 18-shot rally at the net showcased her resilience and determination to close out the match.
Sabalenka’s Final Challenge
With her place in the final secured, Sabalenka will now focus on overcoming her next opponent and capturing her first US Open title. The Belarusian’s powerful baseline game, combined with her improved mental toughness, will make her a formidable contender. Her opponent in the final will have to contend with Sabalenka’s relentless aggression and her growing confidence after a successful campaign so far.
The US Open final represents a chance for Sabalenka to redeem herself after falling short in last year’s tournament, where she finished as the runner-up. With her game in excellent form and her ability to handle pressure better than ever, Sabalenka will be eager to lift the trophy and cement her place among the world’s elite players.
