World number two Aryna Sabalenka continued her impressive run at the US Open, reaching her fourth consecutive semi-final with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 victory over Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen on Tuesday.
Sabalenka, the Australian Open champion and runner-up to Coco Gauff in New York last year, displayed her power and precision against the rising Chinese star. She broke Zheng’s serve early in both sets, setting the tone for a one-sided encounter.
Zheng, who had upset top seed Iga Swiatek in the fourth round, struggled to find her rhythm against Sabalenka’s relentless baseline play. The Belarusian hit 20 winners to Zheng’s nine, and converted five of her seven break point opportunities.
“It was important that I got the early break, that was an advantage because it’s tough to face her,” said Sabalenka after her 73-minute victory. “She’s a really good player, and we had two battles this season that were really close.”
Sabalenka will now face 13th-seeded Emma Navarro of the United States in the semi-finals. Navarro reached her maiden Slam semi-final earlier Tuesday with a straight-sets victory over Paula Badosa of Spain.
Sabalenka and Navarro are 1-1 in their head-to-head meetings, with both clashes coming this season. The American won at Indian Wells before Sabalenka came out on top at the French Open.
“The drinks are on me if you cheer for me,” Sabalenka told the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd in an effort to drum up backing for the semi-final against the New York-born Navarro.
Sabalenka’s victory extends her impressive record at the US Open. She has now reached the semi-finals in four consecutive years, and is aiming to reach her first Grand Slam final since winning the Australian Open in January.
