Tennis

Aryna Sabalenka's remarkable 2024 season continues as she storms into her second consecutive US Open final, defeating Emma Navarro in a thrilling three-set battle. The world No. 2, who has already claimed the Australian Open title this year, is now just one step away from completing a hard-court Grand Slam sweep.Sabalenka's victory over Navarro was hard-fought, as the American teenager pushed her to the limit in a match that lasted over 90 minutes. The Belarusian started strongly, taking the first set 6-3, but Navarro fought back to win the second set in a tiebreaker.Undeterred, Sabalenka regained her composure in the third set and forced another tiebreaker. She eventually prevailed 7-6 (2), securing her place in the final.Navarro, who was playing in her first Grand Slam semifinal, gave a spirited performance and showed why she is one of the most promising young players in the world. She saved two break points in the seventh game of the second set and went on to win three straight games, bringing the Ashe crowd to their feet.However, Sabalenka's experience and resilience proved too much for Navarro in the end. The Belarusian hit 25 winners and converted four of her eight break point opportunities.Sabalenka will now face either Jessica Pegula or Karolina Muchova in the final. She has a 1-0 record against Pegula this year, but Muchova defeated her in the semifinals of the 2023 Roland Garros.Regardless of who she faces, Sabalenka will be the favorite to win her first US Open title and third Grand Slam overall. She is in the form of her life and has shown that she has the mental toughness to overcome any challenge.

Jack Draper and Jannik Sinner, two close friends who have been competing on the tennis circuit since their junior days, will face off in the US Open final on Friday. The match will be a clash of two rising stars, both looking to claim their first Grand Slam title.Draper, a 20-year-old from the United Kingdom, has been in impressive form throughout the tournament, defeating some of the top players in the world, including sixth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and third seed Carlos Alcaraz. Sinner, a 21-year-old from Italy, has also been playing well, reaching the final without dropping a set.The two players have a long history together, having played doubles together at the Omnium Banque Nationale in Montréal earlier this summer. Draper has spoken highly of Sinner's support throughout his career, saying that he is "someone I'm definitely close to."Sinner, for his part, has said that he and Draper have a "great friendship" and that they "text each other when we have good or bad times."Despite their friendship, both players are determined to win the US Open final. Draper said that he is "excited" to play Sinner in the final and that he is "going to go out there and try to win."Sinner said that he is "looking forward" to the match and that he is "going to try to play my best tennis."The US Open final is sure to be a close and exciting match between two of the most promising young players in the world.

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has etched his name in tennis history by becoming the first man born in the 2000s to reach the semifinals of all four Grand Slam tournaments. The Italian's 6-2, 1-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory over Daniil Medvedev at the US Open marked a significant milestone in his career.Sinner, who was born in 2001, has now joined an elite group of players who have reached the semifinals of all four majors. The last man to achieve this feat was Roger Federer in 2010.The Italian's victory over Medvedev was a testament to his resilience and determination. After dropping the second set, Sinner regrouped and dominated the third and fourth sets, showcasing his all-court prowess.Sinner's success is a testament to his hard work and dedication. The 21-year-old has been touted as a future star of the sport since his junior days, and he is now living up to the hype.With his victory at the US Open, Sinner has set himself up for a potential Grand Slam title. He will face Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals, a match that promises to be a thrilling battle between two of the most promising young players in the world.

Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper have made history at the US Open, becoming the first Americans and British players, respectively, to reach the semi-finals in years. Pegula, ranked 8th in the world, stunned world number one Iga Swiatek 6-2, 6-4, while Draper, seeded 25th, defeated 10th-ranked Alex de Minaur 6-3, 7-5, 6-2.Pegula's victory marks her first Grand Slam semi-final appearance after falling in six previous quarter-finals. She will face Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic in the next round, with a potential all-American final looming if Emma Navarro upsets Aryna Sabalenka in the other semi-final.Draper, meanwhile, has become the first British man to reach the US Open semi-finals since Andy Murray won the title in 2012. He will face either world number one Jannik Sinner or 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev for a place in the championship match.Pegula's success continues her impressive summer on US hard courts, where she has won 14 of 15 matches. "Finally I can say I'm a semi-finalist," she said after her victory over Swiatek. "I lost so many of these damn things."Draper's victory came despite a medical timeout early in the second set to have his right thigh bandaged. "It's amazing," he said. "My first time on Arthur Ashe Stadium, it means the world to me."The US Open semi-finals promise to be thrilling, with the possibility of an all-American sweep in both the men's and women's tournaments. Home fans will be hoping for a repeat of Andy Roddick's 2003 victory in the men's singles, while Serena Williams, Sloane Stephens, and Coco Gauff have all triumphed in the women's tournament in recent years.

Jack Draper: The Rising Star of British TennisFor decades, British tennis fans have endured a drought of male Grand Slam champions, with Andy Murray's 2013 Wimbledon victory being the last triumph. However, a new star has emerged in the form of 22-year-old Jack Draper, who has taken the tennis world by storm with his impressive performances.Draper's rise to prominence began at the US Open, where he made his first major semifinal appearance with a dominant 6-3, 7-5, 6-2 victory over Alex de Minaur. Despite de Minaur's physical discomfort, Draper maintained his aggressive approach throughout the match, showcasing his exceptional serve, forehand, and net game.Draper's success at the US Open is a testament to his rapid development. His coach, James Trotman, attributes his progress to his improved mental fortitude and his ability to control his emotions on the court. Draper's physical attributes, including his height and powerful serve, also give him an edge against the top players.While Draper shares some similarities with Andy Murray, such as being a British tennis insider, he possesses a distinct playing style. Unlike Murray's grinding style, Draper is a natural attacker with easy power and a smooth transition to the net.Draper's emergence has sparked excitement among British tennis fans, who have been eagerly awaiting a new hero to replace Murray. His potential is undeniable, and he is poised to make a significant impact on the sport in the years to come.

Taylor Fritz has made history by becoming the fourth active American man to reach a Grand Slam semifinal after defeating Alexander Zverev in a thrilling five-set battle at the US Open. The 26-year-old American triumphed 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (3) to secure his spot in the last four.Fritz's previous best results at Grand Slams were four quarterfinal finishes, including Wimbledon in 2022, the US Open in 2023, and the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year. His victory over Zverev marks a significant milestone in his career and places him among the elite players in the world.The American's success is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has consistently improved his game over the past few years, and his victory at the US Open is a culmination of his efforts. Fritz's powerful serve and aggressive baseline play proved too much for Zverev to handle.Fritz's victory is also a positive sign for American tennis. He joins Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, and Ben Shelton as the only active American men to reach a major semifinal. Tiafoe will play Grigor Dimitrov in the night-time quarterfinal tonight, and if he wins, he'll become the only active American man to reach more than one Grand Slam semifinal in his career.Fritz's success is a reminder that American tennis is on the rise. With a new generation of talented players emerging, the future looks bright for the sport in the United States.

The US Open quarterfinals will witness a captivating clash between Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner, the only two Grand Slam champions remaining in the field. Despite their contrasting styles, both players possess exceptional skills and a burning desire to lift the trophy.Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, has been in impressive form, losing just four games in his victory over Nuno Borges. His unorthodox style, characterized by deep returns and defensive prowess, has proven effective against many opponents. However, his recent loss to Sinner in the Australian Open final serves as a reminder of the Italian's capabilities.Sinner, on the other hand, has showcased his exceptional ball-striking ability and physicality throughout the tournament. His precise shots and ability to control the baseline have earned him a reputation as one of the cleanest hitters in the ATP. Despite his relative inexperience at the US Open, Sinner's determination and ability to step up in key moments make him a formidable opponent.Statistically, the two players are closely matched. Medvedev leads in break point conversions and second-serve return points, while Sinner excels in overall return points. However, the intangibles may play a crucial role in this matchup.Medvedev's experience on Arthur Ashe Stadium, where he has reached three finals, could give him an edge. The crowd's support, which has turned in his favor in recent years, could provide him with an emotional boost. In contrast, Sinner is relatively new to the US Open's grand stage and may face some pressure to perform.Additionally, Sinner has been dealing with a doping controversy that has raised questions about his exoneration. While he has denied any wrongdoing, the mental toll of the allegations could potentially affect his performance.Based on their current form and the intangibles involved, Medvedev appears to have a slight advantage. His experience, unorthodox style, and crowd support could prove decisive against Sinner's precision and baseline dominance. However, Sinner's determination and ability to surprise his opponents should not be underestimated. This quarterfinal promises to be a thrilling battle between two of the most talented players in the world.

Jessica Pegula's relentless pursuit of Grand Slam glory has taken a significant leap forward at the US Open. The American star, known for her consistent play but limited mobility, has undergone a transformative shift in her training regimen, resulting in a noticeable improvement in her movement and agility.In her quarterfinal clash against rising star Diana Shnaider, Pegula showcased her newfound explosiveness, darting across the court with ease and neutralizing Shnaider's aggressive style. The 30-year-old's ability to recover from awkward positions and maintain her aggression proved crucial in her 6-4, 6-2 victory.Pegula's focus on agility and footwork has paid dividends, allowing her to stay in rallies and apply pressure on her opponents. She has also added variety to her game, incorporating slices and changing the pace of her shots to keep her adversaries guessing."I'm able to get pulled off the court but still not get behind in the point," Pegula said. "I can get out of the corners and still be aggressive with my shots."Pegula's serve, once a potential vulnerability, has also shown signs of improvement. While she may not possess the power of some of her rivals, she has developed a smart and consistent serve that has helped her navigate challenging situations."I've been serving pretty well," she said. "Even if it's not working, I've been kind of getting myself out of service games by serving smart or serving well in big moments."With her enhanced movement and serve, Pegula is poised to make a deep run at the US Open. However, she remains cautious, acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead."I know you don't want the cliche answer," she said. "but it's just kind of one match at a time, and every day kind of feels different."For Pegula, a perennial Grand Slam quarterfinalist, a different feeling could be just the tonic she needs to break through the barrier and reach the semifinals and beyond.

Serena Williams, the legendary tennis icon, has graced the US Open with her presence, marking her first experience with the tournament's signature Honey Deuce cocktail. In a recent TikTok video, Williams expressed her delight with the drink, suggesting a name change to "Honey, ad-in" or "Honey ace."Despite her six US Open titles, Williams had never sampled the Honey Deuce during her playing days. After retiring from tennis, she has enjoyed a more relaxed return to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. On Saturday, she paid homage to her iconic denim skirt worn at the Open in 2004. On Sunday, she cheered on Grigor Dimitrov and Coco Gauff at Arthur Ashe Stadium.In between, Williams indulged in the Honey Deuce, a cocktail that debuted at the US Open in 2007. The drink, priced at $23 this year, is expected to break sales records as it approaches its 20th anniversary in Flushing.As a self-proclaimed tequila enthusiast, Williams may also enjoy the Dobel cocktails inspired by Taylor Fritz and Aryna Sabalenka, available around the grounds.Williams' presence at the US Open has sparked speculation about her potential return on Monday to complete her Labor Day trifecta.