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Sabalenka to face Gauff in U.S. Open final

Published : 08 Sep 2023, 14:56

DF News Desk

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus hits a return during the women's singles quarterfinal against Zheng Qinwen of China at the 2023 US Open tennis championships in New York, the United States, Sept. 6, 2023. Photo: Xinhua.

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus overcame Madison Keys of the United States 0-6, 7-6 (1), 7-6 (10-5) on Thursday night, reaching her first U.S. Open final, reported Xinhua.

"I'm really proud of myself that I was able to turn around this game and get this win, because it was just incredible," said Sabalenka.

"It really means a lot to be in the final of the US Open for the first time," she added.

Sabalenka will rise to the WTA World No.1 next week even if she loses. The 25-year-old will be the 29th woman to reach the top of the WTA ranking.

The Belarusian will face sixth seed Coco Gauff, after the home favorite chalked up a 6-4, 7-5 win over the Czech Republic's 10th seed Karolina Muchova.

"I grew up watching this tournament so much, so it means a lot to be in the final. A lot to celebrate," the 19-year-old said.