Aryna Sabalenka Surges into U.S. Open Final Amid Drama

Second seed Aryna Sabalenka advanced to her second consecutive U.S. Open final by defeating American Emma Navarro 6-3, 7-6(2). Despite a fierce late-match challenge from Navarro, Sabalenka's power and focus led her to victory at Arthur Ashe Stadium. She will face the winner of the Jessica Pegula vs. Karolina Muchova match in the finals.

Second seed Aryna Sabalenka charged into her second straight U.S. Open final on Thursday, overcoming a late-match fight back from American Emma Navarro 6-3, 7-6(2) at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The runner-up last year relied on her superior power to subdue the 13th-seeded Navarro, sending over 34 winners and closing it out with a satisfying overhead smash on match point.

Navarro, who ousted defending champion Coco Gauff in the fourth round, was outmatched against the veteran Sabalenka, despite a passionate home crowd. Sabalenka, who jokingly offered the crowd a free round of drinks if they supported her, teased the fans after her win, "Now you're cheering for me - wow - it's a bit late."

Navarro bloodied her knee midway through the second set, enhancing the drama as Sabalenka looked poised for victory. Although Navarro applied pressure from the baseline to break back in the 10th game, Sabalenka won an 18-shot rally in the tiebreak to secure the win. Sabalenka will face the winner of the Jessica Pegula vs. Karolina Muchova match in the final.

(With inputs from agencies.)