Sabalenka beats Zheng Qinwen, reach fourth consecutive semi finals

Aryna Sabalenka cruised into her fourth straight US Open semifinal on Tuesday night, as she continues to hunt for her first title in New York.

The 26-year-old Sabalenka who was watched by five-time US Open champion Roger Federer from the Arthur Ashe Stadium stands, eased past the 2024 Paris Games gold medalist and No.7 seed Zheng Qinwen 6-1, 6-2.

“I saw him there, saw him on the big screen,” Sabalenka said regarding Federer, who won his five US Open titles consecutively between 2004 and 2008.

“I was like, OK, I have to play my best tennis so he enjoys it. I have to show my skills, you know, slice skills, come to the net and all that stuff,” power-hitting Sabalenka added with a laugh.

With the victory, Sabalenka became the first woman to reach four straight US Open semifinals since Serena Williams made six in a row between 2011 and 2016. Two days ago, after she had already become the first woman to make four straight US Open quarterfinals since that Serena streak.

“If you get to the Top 5 level, anyway, everyone will take you as a favorite,” Sabalenka said. “But as I always say, it’s not about being favorite, it’s about how hard you’re ready to fight for it. It’s going to be tough moments in the matches when you don’t feel your best and you have to go through it.

“But I’m really glad they take me as a favorite, and I’ll do my very best to hold this beautiful trophy.”

Sabalenka is now a win away from her second straight US Open final, having finished runner-up to Coco Gauff at last year’s edition. She will meet first-time major semifinalist Emma Navarro on Thursday. They have split their two previous meetings.

Earlier, the  No.13 seeded Emma Navarro  booked her place in the first Grand Slam semifinal of her career, coming from 5-1 down in the second set against No.26 Paula Badosa for a 6-2, 7-5 win.