Sabalenka advances to US Open 1/4 finals with clinical display

Aryna Sabalenka cruised past No.13 seed Daria Kasatkina in straight sets 6-1, 6-3 to advance to the 1/4 finals of the US Open on Monday night.
It was Sabalenka’s first match since she was assured of becoming the new world No.1, following Iga Swiatek’s shock exit to Jelena Ostapenko and the Belarusian was on fire all throughout.

Absolute domination!

After learning she will be the new World No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka puts on a clinic to reach the Quarterfinals!#USOpen pic.twitter.com/UxngfFFiPd

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) September 5, 2023

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An effortless display from the 25-year-old saw her dominate her opponent in Arthur Ashe Stadium to secure a place in the last 8.

“All this year, I’ve been pushing myself so hard to reach this goal,” Sabalenka reflected on getting to No. 1. “It really means a lot for me. It means a lot for my family. It’s crazy. It’s unbelievable.”

Not only Swiatek’s absence, but the simoltenious exits from the No.3 and No.5 Jessica Pegula and Ons Jabeur, along with Rybakina’s elimination last week, has made Sabalenka red-hot favorite for the title.

The Australian Open winner will face No.23 Zheng Qinwen for a place in the semi-final i the quest of conquering her second Grand Slam title.