The U.S. Open quarterfinals delivered a thrilling display of tennis on Tuesday, as Aryna Sabalenka, Taylor Fritz, and Frances Tiafoe all advanced to the semifinals, setting the stage for an exhilarating final four at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Sabalenka Dominates to Reach Fourth Consecutive Semifinal
Aryna Sabalenka continued her impressive run in Flushing Meadows, cruising into her fourth consecutive U.S. Open semifinal with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 victory over China’s Zheng Qinwen. The second seed’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, as she dismantled the Olympic champion in just over an hour. Sabalenka, who has only lost four service games throughout the tournament, is emerging as a strong favorite to clinch another major title, adding to her two Australian Open trophies.
Despite her impressive form, Sabalenka remains grounded about her prospects. “If you get to the top-five level, everyone will take you as a favorite,” she acknowledged. “But as I always say, it’s not about being the favorite, it’s about how hard you’re ready to fight for it. It’s going to be the tough moments in the matches when you don’t feel your best and you have to go through it.”
In the semifinals, Sabalenka will face American Emma Navarro, who has also been making waves with her recent performances. The Belarusian, who lost to Coco Gauff in the Flushing Meadows final last year, is determined to go one better this time around.
Fritz and Tiafoe Set Up Blockbuster All-American Clash
In men’s action, Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe have set up an exciting all-American semifinal clash, the first of its kind since Andre Agassi’s victory over Robby Ginepri at the 2005 U.S. Open.
Fritz, the 12th seed, pulled off a remarkable victory over world number four Alexander Zverev, winning 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(3). Fritz’s win was notable not only for its quality but also for its significance, coming just two months after he defeated Zverev at Wimbledon. The match was a showcase of powerful baseline rallies and impressive drop shots, with Fritz holding his nerve in the decisive tiebreaks to seal his place in his first major semifinal.
“I’ve had a lot of looks at quarter-finals over the past couple of years and today just felt different,” Fritz said. “I really felt like it was my time to take it a step further.”
Frances Tiafoe, the 20th seed, advanced to the semifinals after Grigor Dimitrov retired due to a leg injury with Tiafoe leading 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3, 4-1. Although Tiafoe’s progression was not under the ideal circumstances, his run to the semifinals is a testament to his resilience and skill. Tiafoe and Fritz are both looking to end a 21-year wait for a homegrown American men’s champion, following Andy Roddick’s triumph in 2003.
Navarro and Pegula Lead American Charge in Women’s Draw
In women’s singles, Emma Navarro’s 6-2, 7-5 win over Spain’s Paula Badosa secured her place in the semifinals. Navarro’s impressive rise continued as she claimed 24 of the last 28 points to finish the match in 72 minutes. “Things weren’t looking great there in the second set, but just tried to be really tough, stick in there,” Navarro said. She will now face Sabalenka, presenting a formidable challenge.
Jessica Pegula, another American hopeful, will face top seed Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, as she looks to join Navarro in the final four.
With Sabalenka, Fritz, and Tiafoe advancing to the semifinals, and a blockbuster all-American clash on the horizon, the U.S. Open is set for an electrifying conclusion. The performances of these players have not only delighted fans but have also set the stage for an epic final weekend of tennis.
