The 2023 Australian Open champion, Aryna Sabalenka, mounted a remarkable comeback to secure her place in the final of the ongoing US Open 2023, setting up a clash with the world number six, Coco Gauff.
In a gripping semi-final showdown, Sabalenka overcame America's Maddison Keys in a hard-fought encounter. She rallied from behind to defeat Keys with a scoreline of 0-6, 7-6(1), 7-6(5), earning her ticket to the final, scheduled for September 10.
The match began with Keys asserting dominance on the court, stunning spectators by convincingly claiming the first set 6-0. Sabalenka, however, displayed unyielding determination and managed to reverse the tide in the second set. Despite conceding an early break of her own serve, she fought back valiantly and eventually forced a tie-break, which she decisively won, pushing the contest into a pivotal third set.
The final set witnessed both competitors battling tenaciously for each point. Keys secured the initial break, but Sabalenka promptly responded with a break of her own. The match ultimately extended into a nail-biting 10-point tie-break, in which Sabalenka swiftly established a 4-0 lead. She skillfully maintained her advantage, ultimately clinching victory and securing her berth in the US Open final.
This triumph marks Sabalenka's maiden appearance in a US Open final and her fourth Grand Slam semi-final appearance this year. Her remarkable performance underscores her status as a formidable player, boasting an impressive 22-3 record in majors this season, including her Australian Open triumph.
With this remarkable win, Sabalenka becomes only the third player in the Open Era to emerge victorious in a women's singles semi-final at a Grand Slam after dropping the first set 6-0, joining the ranks of Steffi Graf (1992 French Open) and Ana Ivanovic (2008 Australian Open).
Sabalenka is now poised to face Coco Gauff in the final, who secured her place with a victory over Karolina Muchova in the semi-final clash. It's worth noting that this triumph has solidified Sabalenka's position as the world number one, regardless of the final match's outcome.
