(September 5, 2024) FLUSHING, NY – No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka is back in the US Open final for a second straight year. The Belarusian stopped No. 13 Emma Navarro of the US 6-3, 7-6 on Thursday night.
“I was like, ‘OK, Aryna, you have to stay focused. Stay in your thoughts. Focus on yourself,’” Sabalenka said on-court after the match. “And, yeah, I was thinking a lot.”
“Now you’re cheering for me – wow – it’s a bit late.”
“Even though you guys were supporting her I had the goosebumps,” she said to the crowd. “She’s such a great player, really tough opponent.”
“I’m ready to face whoever,” Sabalenka said. “Lesson from last year learned. I really hope I’m going to do a little bit better than I did last year.”
Sabalenka who has won the past two Australian Opens, lost last year’s US Open final to Coco Gauff.
Sabalenka tonight in SF win over Navarro
68% 1st serves in play
74% 1st serve points won
82% of returns in play
45 % 2d serve points won
75% return points won on 2d serve
34 winners, 34 unforced errors
14 of 17 points won at net #USOpen #wellearned
Source
No. 6 Jessica Pegula rallied from a set and a break down to win 12 of the last 16 games to beat Karolina Muchova 1-6, 6-4, 6-2.
The Sabalenka – Pegula final will be a rematch of the Cincinnati Open final from last month.
More to follow…
