Aryna Sabalenka demonstrated why she is the favorite to win the women’s singles at the US Open by thrashing the Olympic gold medalist Qinwen Zheng.
Sabalenka’s level had been getting better throughout the tournament before her quarterfinal against Zheng. Her previous best match was in the fourth round against Elise Mertens.
The Belarusian’s powerful hitting has generated many headlines. For example, her average forehand speed was rated as faster than that of other top men’s players in the draw, although Sabalenka revealed the uncomfortable truth about this.
Zheng played a stunning match against Donna Vekic in the last round, with many fans feeling it was the best match of the tournament. That meant expectations were high heading into this contest.
Unfortunately, this contest never came close to living up to the hype. As well as Sabalenka played, Zheng was far below her best and struggled severely throughout the match.
The Chinese player got off to the worst possible start, getting broken in her first service game of the match. There was no need to panic at that stage, but it was a setback she could not recover from.
An essential factor to remember is Zheng lost the Australian Open final to Sabalenka in straight sets at the start of the year. Therefore, even though she beat Iga Swiatek at the Olympics, she might have a slight mental barrier against the world No. 2.
Zheng’s only game of the set came at 0-3 when she held comfortably. The Olympic gold medalist would undoubtedly have hoped she could settle into the match, but that did not happen.
Sabalenka quickly won the final three games of the set to take it 6-1. She displayed ruthless, aggressive tennis and showed no mercy during the second set either.
Zheng did not get the positive start to the second she desperately needed. Despite saving two break points from 0-40 down, she again lost her serve to start the set. Her body language became very negative from that point.
The Chinese player only made 44% of first serves, which repeatedly harmed her during the contest. She won 74% of points when she landed her first delivery, but that did not happen often enough.
Sabalenka got another break at 3-1 down. Zheng was still trying, but it was clear she knew the match was over long before it ended. Her opponent was on another level to her, and anything short of her best tennis would never be enough.
The Belarusian quickly sealed a 6-1, 6-2 triumph on Arthur Ashe Stadium. In the semifinal, she faces a tough match against Emma Navarro. However, if she keeps playing at the same level she managed against Zheng, it will be tough for anyone to stop her.
