Sabalenka Advances to Second Consecutive US Open Final with Win Over Navarro

Aryna Sabalenka secured her place in the US Open final for the second year in a row by overcoming Emma Navarro 6-3, 7-6 (2) on Thursday night. The No. 2 seed from Belarus, known for her aggressive playing style, concluded the match by winning the final seven points.

Sabalenka, who won the Australian Open in 2022 and 2023, fell just short of claiming the US Open title last year, losing to Coco Gauff in the final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

In this semifinal, Sabalenka faced 13th-seeded Navarro. Despite the American's strong performance, Sabalenka managed to keep the spectators' influence minimal until the second set became intensely competitive. Sabalenka had humorously suggested she might win over the crowd by offering drinks, stating, "Drinks on me tonight?"

Navarro, although trailing for much of the second set, fought back and broke Sabalenka's serve when she was serving for the match at 5-4. However, Sabalenka dominated the tiebreaker, taking all remaining points after Navarro led 2-0.

Sabalenka will compete for the title on Saturday against either No. 6 Jessica Pegula or unseeded Karolina Muchova. The Pegula-Muchova semifinal was scheduled for later Thursday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Muchova is making her fourth appearance in a Grand Slam semifinal, with previous runs including New York and a final at the French Open last year. Pegula had previously struggled in Grand Slam quarterfinals but secured a notable victory over No. 1 Iga Swiatek in straight sets on Wednesday night.