The public attending the Billie Jean King complex on Thursday will have a dilemma: who to support in the semi-final match between Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka and New Yorker Emma Navarro.
Ranked number 2 on the circuit and with the experience of having even been a finalist in 2023 at the US Open, the charismatic Sabalenka has managed to win the affection of fans on the fast court in Flushing.
The four-time US Open semi-finalist comes into this stage of the tournament after overwhelmingly defeating her rivals. She has only dropped one set, and her best weapon, her powerful serve, has not let her down as she came out ahead in 6 hours and 10 minutes of play.
On Tuesday night, September 3, for example, she annihilated Olympic medalist Quinwen Zheng in two sets of 6-1, 6-2. She only needed 1 hour and 13 minutes to overwhelm the Asian tennis player.
Throughout his career he has won 298 matches and 15 individual titles.
Her semi-final opponent will be none other than American Emma Navarro, a player who has earned respect on the fast court in Flushing. She was the executioner of the 2023 champion, Coco Gauff, and on Tuesday she dispatched the Spanish Paula Badosa in two sets 6-2, 7-5 in 1 hour 12 minutes.
“She’s a great player. It’s going to be a great battle,” Sabalenka said of the match against the New Yorker, who will undoubtedly have the support of the fans as she represents the home team.
But the Belarusian said, laughing: “Please give me some support in the next match.”
The first time
For Navarro, this will be her first semi-final at the Arthur Ashe. Ranked 12th, she arrives on the back of a meteoric rise. She has only lost two sets at this US Open.
She has won one singles title so far and feels she is ready for any tournament at this point.
Although she has a more discreet but precise serve, the 23-year-old American has shown great discipline on the court. She never lets her guard down and her good athleticism add key elements to not being intimidated.
Navarro has a wealthy family behind her who have not skimped on investing in her talent. “I feel very fortunate to have had all the resources I have needed at my disposal,” she said at a press conference, but not before adding that today, thanks to the expansion of the racket sport, many children in the country also have greater access to developing their skills.
Speaking about the path she took to reach this important semi-final, Navarro said she is up to the task for what comes next. “When I look back and think about the methodical approach to my tennis career and my physical abilities and mental strength, I am not surprised (how far I have come). Right now I am ready. All of this is the result of gradual work.”
Regarding playing against an experienced player like Sabalenka, the New Yorker said: “She has been in this position before but I feel that she also has a lot to lose and I have a lot to gain.”
The Belarusian certainly has the advantage due to her track record, but Navarro is going with a winning mentality, regardless of who is on the other side of the court. She knows that with a cool head and patience she can unbalance her opponent’s approach.
In addition, the two have already crossed paths twice this year. Navarro emerged victorious at Indian Wells, while Sabalenka got her revenge at Roland Garros.
All that remains is to find a seat for what promises to be a close duel due to the tiebreaker.