Aryna Sabalenka, soon to be the new world number one player, is through to the final of the US Open after finishing with Madison Keys.
The 25-year-old Belarusian player had to dig deep after her American opponent won the first set at a trot. However, she was still able to finish the match 0-6, 7-6 and 7-6.
In doing so, she became only the third woman in the Open era – after Steffi Graf and Ana Ivanovic – to win a Grand Slam semi-final after losing the first set 6-0.
“It was an incredible game and Madison played great. However, I am very proud of myself that I was able to turn things around,” said Sabalenka.
“I kept reminding myself that no game is over until the winning shot is hit. I just had to keep fighting and try to play with more rhythm. In some secret way I managed to do it!”
Sabalenka, who has already played in the semi-finals of the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon this year, will face Coco Gauff for the silverware in New York on Saturday.
In the men’s division, Novak Djokovic crosses rackets with Ben Shelton in the first semi-final, while Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev clash in the other knockout match.
Results:
Aryna Sabalenka beat Madison Keys 0-6, 7-6 and 7-6
Coco Gauff beat Karolina Muchova 6-4 and 7-5
Men’s semi-final fixtures:
Novak Djokovic vs. Ben Shelton
Carlos Alcaraz vs. Daniil Medvedev
