Aryna Sabalenka felt the aura of Roger Federer in the US Open quarter-final crowd as the second seed impressed with a crushing 6-1, 6-2 defeat of Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen to reach the New York final.
The two-time AustralianOpen winner claimed quick victory in a repeat of the 2024 final over her Chinese opponent last January.
Sabalenka improved to a near-perfect 9-1 in career Grand Slam quarter-finals.
Five-time Open champion Federer was visiting New York for sponsor duties and took advantage of a chance to attend the tennis spectacular on the Ashe showcourt.
World No. 2 Sabalenka could not contain her excitement at seeing the legend – even from afar.
“I saw him there, saw him on the big screen,” she said of the Swiss who lifted five consecutive titles during the rainy, pre-roof years from 2004 and 2008.
“I was like, OK, I have to play my best tennis so he enjoys it. I have to show my slice skills, come to the net and all that stuff.”
Sabalenka won into a Thursday semi against American Emma Navarro, who defeated Spain’s Paula Badosa 6-2, 7-5.
Sabalenka becomes the first woman to reach four straight US Open semi-finals since Serena Williams did six on the trot 2011-2016.
“I always say, it’s not about being favorite, it’s about how hard you’re ready to fight for it,” she said.
“It’s going to be tough moments in the matches when you don’t feel your best and you have to go through it. But I’m really glad they take me as a favorite, and I’ll do my very best to hold this beautiful trophy.”
Sabalenka lost the final here a year ago to Coco Gauff, she stands level 2-all with Navarro.
