Aryna Sabalenka survives Emma Navarro test to reach US Open final

Aryna Sabalenka, the second seed, advanced to her second consecutive US Open final on Thursday, defeating American Emma Navarro, the 13th seed, with a score of 6-3, 7-6 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The runner-up from the previous year showcased her formidable power, delivering 34 winners and concluding the match with an emphatic overhead smash on match point.

Navarro, who eliminated defending champion Coco Gauff in the fourth round, faced a challenging opponent in the experienced Sabalenka, despite the enthusiastic support from the home crowd.

In a light-hearted moment, Sabalenka humorously promised the audience a complimentary round of drinks if they cheered for her instead of Navarro, later commenting, "Now you're cheering for me - wow, it's a bit late."

She acknowledged Navarro's talent, stating, "Even though you guys were supporting her I had the goosebumps. She's such a great player, really tough opponent."

Earlier this year, Navarro had triumphed over Sabalenka in three sets at Indian Wells, and their match began with an intense exchange of breaks in the first set.

However, Sabalenka steadied herself and seized control in the sixth game, securing a crucial break with a forehand winner and subsequently fending off Navarro's break point opportunity in the seventh with an unreturnable serve.

Midway through the second set, Navarro sustained a knee injury while pursuing a shot, and Sabalenka appeared poised for an easy victory after Navarro's backhand error gifted her a break in the fifth game.

Nevertheless, Navarro demonstrated resilience, applying pressure from the baseline to break back in the tenth game.

After a double fault allowed Navarro to take a 2-0 lead in the tiebreak, Sabalenka responded with a sarcastic thumbs-up to her coach's box but quickly refocused, winning an 18-shot rally at the net to secure her victory.

"I'm really happy to see that in those key moments I'm able to stay focused and just try to do my best and focus on my tennis, on things which I have to do to win this match, not like on outside," Sabalenka remarked.

"Even if things are not working well for me, I still keep doing right things and I'm staying in control."