Aryna Sabalenka completed a matched set of 2023 Grand Slam semi-final places as the second seed defeated Chinese challenger Zheng Qinwen 6-1, 6-4 to advance to the final four at the US open on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old who will take over the WTA top ranking spot on Monday after the 75-week reign of Iga Swiatek, matched the last woman to sweep the semis, Serena Williams in the 2016 season.
Sabalenka will bid to move into her second final this season at a major when she squares off on Thursday against American Madison Keys, who stunned Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova 6-1, 6-4 in 81 minutes.
Keys swept the opening set and hung tough in the second to thrill home fans; she saved all nine break points she faced – including five in the eighth game of the second set.
“I knew she would be a tricky player as she gets so many balls back,” the winner said. “It was not my cleanest match, but I tried to get to the net and be aggressive.
“I wanted to be on the front foot at all times.”
Semi-final opponent Sabalenka beat Keys in their last meeting in July at Wimbledon.
“This will be a completely different match,” Keys said. “There will be a lot of hard hitting and not a lot of long points.
“I’ll buckle up and try to get as many balls back as I can.”
Sabalenka is slowly getting used to the idea of playing as world No. 1 from next week.
“I’m super happy with this achievement in my career, but, I mean, it’s not a big change. I’ve been No. 2 – now I’m No. 1,” she said.
“It’s just a difference of position in the draw. I still have to bring my best tennis. I still have to play my best.
“People will try to just try to chase me and get me. But it’s just an extra motivation for me
“Seeing them really trying their best to beat me, it’s an extra power and energy for me to keep playing, keep pushing, keep getting better.”
Sabalenka moved past her Asian opponent in 74 minutes, finishing with 17 winners and a dozen unforced errors.
“I definitely played great tennis today,” she said. “I’m happy with the win against an unbelievable opponent.
“I’ve now got another opportunity to do better in the semi-finals.”
January’s Australian Open winner has won all seven of her semi-finals at the majors and stands 13-2 over Chinese opposition.
“I’m not trying to block the stats; when you’re trying to block something, it’s going to keep getting in your head and it can get really annoying,” she said of her growing list of records.
“I know that I have to do my job. I have to go on court. I have to play my best tennis. I have to fight for it.
“I know that if I’ll be fighting for my dream, I know that I can get it.”
