Sabalenka Seeks Home Advantage at U.S. Open with Humorous Strategy

Set to face American Emma Navarro in the U.S. Open semi-finals, Aryna Sabalenka humorously offered the home crowd a round of drinks to gain their support. Despite past mixed reactions from the Flushing Meadows crowd, Sabalenka remains focused, having reached at least the quarter-final stage in her last eight Grand Slam appearances.

Set to face American Emma Navarro in the U.S. Open semi-finals, Aryna Sabalenka jokingly offered the crowd a round of drinks if they cheered for her on Thursday.

Sabalenka has had a fluctuating relationship with the Flushing Meadows crowds, having called them out for a lack of support in last year's final against Coco Gauff. Following her 6-1 6-2 win over China's Zheng Qinwen, she asked the crowd to cheer for her in her next match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"Drinks on me tonight?" Sabalenka quipped. "Drinks on me and please give me some support in the next match," she added, as the crowd responded enthusiastically. Despite the pressures of tournament play, Sabalenka has reached the quarter-final stage or better in her last eight Grand Slam appearances and aims to take things easier as she advances.

(With inputs from agencies.)