Aryna Sabalenka’s remarkable 2024 season continues as she storms into her second consecutive US Open final, defeating Emma Navarro in a thrilling three-set battle. The world No. 2, who has already claimed the Australian Open title this year, is now just one step away from completing a hard-court Grand Slam sweep.
Sabalenka’s victory over Navarro was hard-fought, as the American teenager pushed her to the limit in a match that lasted over 90 minutes. The Belarusian started strongly, taking the first set 6-3, but Navarro fought back to win the second set in a tiebreaker.
Undeterred, Sabalenka regained her composure in the third set and forced another tiebreaker. She eventually prevailed 7-6 (2), securing her place in the final.
Navarro, who was playing in her first Grand Slam semifinal, gave a spirited performance and showed why she is one of the most promising young players in the world. She saved two break points in the seventh game of the second set and went on to win three straight games, bringing the Ashe crowd to their feet.
However, Sabalenka’s experience and resilience proved too much for Navarro in the end. The Belarusian hit 25 winners and converted four of her eight break point opportunities.
Sabalenka will now face either Jessica Pegula or Karolina Muchova in the final. She has a 1-0 record against Pegula this year, but Muchova defeated her in the semifinals of the 2023 Roland Garros.
Regardless of who she faces, Sabalenka will be the favorite to win her first US Open title and third Grand Slam overall. She is in the form of her life and has shown that she has the mental toughness to overcome any challenge.
