Aryna Sabalenka's goal for the season was clear. Become world No 1. And finally that goal may have been realised. With the No 1 ranking secured, Sabalenka books a place in the US Open semi-finals, overpowering Zheng Qinwen 6-1, 6-4. With immense power, Sabalenka has marched through the US Open draw, dismantling the No.13 seed Dasia Kasatkina with ease in the Round of 16, before her quarter final victory over the 20 year old Chinese. Zheng, having defeated No.5 seeded Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur in the Round of 16 is undoubtedly talented, but lacked the experience and resilience to withstand Sabalenka's powerful onslaught. A fifth consecutive Grand Slam semi final, and the first woman since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach the semi-finals of all four majors in a calendar year, is an exemplary achievement.
The 25-year-old Belarusian has showcased remarkable consistency in her incredible season thus far, greatly exemplified in her first grand slam title at the Australian Open. Where she was emotional and rash, is now clever and mentally resolute, exploiting her extreme ball striking abilities and making dramatic improvements to her game. Yet for all of her success, the semifinal defeats to Karolina Muchova and Ons Jabeur in Paris and London respectively, were crushing, but this weekend presents an opportunity to etch her name into history, once more.
Meanwhile, her semi-final opponent, Madison Keys returned to familiar territory, advancing to her third US Open semi-final. The American stunned third-seeded Jessica Pegula 6-1, 6-3 in an all-American clash at Arthur Ashe stadium in the Round of 16, breezing past the home champion in rampant fashion. Jessica Pegula is one of the US's brightest hopes, but lacked her usual firepower and finesse, and is still yet to reach the final four in a Grand Slam. Keys performed admirably and her close friend's frustration mounted.
Another impressive victory followed for Madison Keys, winning in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4 against reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in the quarter finals. The American dictated the play from the first shot, and, and sets up a showdown against soon to be World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka.
For Karolina Muchova, the last year has been spectacular. Now seeded 10th, Muchova marches on to the US Open final four for the first time, with hopes of bettering her French Open runner up result. She began 2023 as the WTA Tour's 151st ranked player, but in New York vaulted into quarter finals against Wang Xinyu. A chaotic game in Louis Armstrong Stadium, featuring 15 breaks of serve and a total of 53 winner and 79 unforced errors, set up a clash against Sorana Cirstea.
The 33-year-old becomes the oldest first time US Open quarterfinalist, and her performances in the United States this season have been quite simply remarkable. Aryna Sabalenka, Karolina Muchova, Marketa Vondrousova, Madison Keys, Caroline Garcia and now Elena Rybakina and Belinda Bencic this US Open have all been beaten this year in the US. However, Muchova overwhelmed the Romanian, 6-0, 6-3 in outstanding fashion, setting up a highly anticipated clash against Coco Gauff in the semifinals. With a string of jarring injuries behind her, the Czech is a force to be reckoned with, but she will be up against not just the 19-year-old American, but the roaring home crowd on Friday.
Coco Gauff. To the exhilaration of the home fans, the young American starlet overcame Caroline Wozniacki to reach her second US Open quarter finals. Having already defeated Elise Mertens from a set down, and the supremely talented Mirra Andreeva this tournament, the 33-year-old Dane presented a significant challenge. However, a forceful third set proved decisive. Her opponent in the quarter finals, Jelena Ostapenko.
The American teenager looked imperious in her 6-0, 6-2 victory over the Latvian, charging forward to a first US Open semifinal. Ostapenko earned a dazzling, however surprising, win to dethrone World No.1 Iga Swiatek in the previous round, but the 2017 Roland Garros champion was comprehensively beaten. Ostapenko struggled to replicate the aggressive brilliance in the humid midday conditions, and the American thrived, extending her winning streak to ten.
Coco Gauff becomes the first American teenager to reach the US Open semifinals since Serena Williams in 2001, and in this form, perhaps a favourite for the title. As a crowd favourite following in the footsteps of a legend, Gauff has the talent, and the momentum, to win her first grand slam in front of a deafening Arthur Ashe crowd.
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