September 08, (THEWILL) – Aryna Sabalenka produced an incredible fightback to defeat Madison Keys and advance to her first US Open final in a dramatic semi-final on Thursday.
The second seed was on the brink of defeat against the American 17th seed, who served for the match in the second set. But Sabalenka rallied to win 0-6, 7-6 (7/1), 7-6 (10/5) in a thrilling encounter at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Keys made a blistering start, racing through the first set in just 28 minutes as a rattled Sabalenka imploded. But the Belarusian steadied to take the second set tiebreak easily before edging a tight decider. After handing Sabalenka a first-set bagel, Keys broke twice more early in the second set to lead 4-1.
However, Sabalenka finally found her range to break back, forcing a tiebreak, which she dominated 7-1. The third set went on serve until Sabalenka slipped at 4-2, immediately breaking back with ferocious hitting. The tie-break was a rollercoaster, with Sabalenka incredibly celebrating prematurely before closing out a famous win.
Sabalenka said she had “no idea” how she turned the match around. She will now face Coco Gauff in the first all-American US Open women’s final since Serena Williams beat Venus Williams in 2002. “She played incredible tennis, it was just another level,” said an emotional Sabalenka after her comeback. “It really means a lot to be in the final of the US Open for the first time.”
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
