Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - September 3, 2024 China's Qinwen Zheng in action during her quarter final match against Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka REUTERS/Andrew Kelly
Aryna Sabalenka powered her way into the US Open semi-finals for the fourth straight year, defeating China’s Qinwen Zheng 6-1, 6-2 on Tuesday. The hard-hitting Belarusian, who also claimed her second Australian Open title earlier this year, overwhelmed Zheng with her aggressive play and powerful forehand at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Zheng, fresh off an Olympic gold medal, struggled with her serve, landing only 44% of her first serves. Sabalenka quickly took control, breaking Zheng’s serve twice in the first set. She maintained the pressure in the second, committing just six unforced errors while Zheng faltered on key backhands.
Sabalenka sealed the match with a dominant backhand winner and an unreturnable serve. She will face American Emma Navarro in the semi-finals. The pair split their last two meetings, with Sabalenka winning at Roland Garros but falling to Navarro on hard courts at Indian Wells, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown.
