Aryna Sabalenka is riding an impressive wave of success at the 2024 U.S. Open, and she’s hoping to keep that momentum going when she faces No. 13 seed Emma Navarro in the semifinals on Thursday, September 5. Sabalenka, currently ranked World No. 2, has been in dominant form, defeating three consecutive seeded opponents on her path to the final four. Most recently, she took down No. 7 Qinwen Zheng of China in straight sets, further solidifying her position as one of the tournament’s top contenders.
Heading into the semifinals, Sabalenka knows she may not have the full backing of the crowd at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, especially with Navarro, a New York City native, playing in front of a home crowd. The Belarusian, however, came up with a clever and humorous idea to win over the local supporters—by offering free drinks.
After her quarterfinal victory over Zheng, Sabalenka tried to charm the audience with a playful gesture. “OK, guys,” she said with a smile, “drinks on me, and please give me some support in the next match.”
While it was a lighthearted attempt to sway the crowd in her favor, Sabalenka may not have fully considered the financial implications of her generous offer. With drinks at the U.S. Open often priced at more than $20, and Arthur Ashe Stadium holding over 20,000 spectators, that could translate into a hefty bar tab. But for Sabalenka, it might just be worth the expense if it helps her secure the crowd’s backing in what will be one of the most important matches of her career. After all, the potential $3.6 million grand prize for the tournament champion could more than cover the cost.
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Sabalenka’s journey to the semifinals has been nothing short of remarkable, and her confidence is evident both on and off the court. As she prepares to face Navarro in the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, she’ll be looking for any edge she can get, whether it’s through her powerful game or the energy of a supportive crowd. While the official match time has yet to be set, tennis fans are eagerly awaiting the clash between Sabalenka and Navarro, with a spot in the U.S. Open final on the line.
With her mix of skill, humor, and determination, Sabalenka has already become one of the fan favorites at this year’s tournament.
Whether or not the free drinks actually materialize, her lighthearted approach has only added to the excitement and anticipation surrounding her semifinal showdown.
