Wednesday, September 6, 2023

We have our semifinalists!

In today's first U.S. Open semifinal, 2nd seed Aryna Sabalenka took control early, winning the first set against Zheng Qinwen 6-0. Sabalenka served about as well as one could serve, and--while Zheng managed to make the match more competitive in the secone set, she never saw a break opportunity. Sabalenka defeated her 6-0, 6-3. Zheng has been quite impressive at this tournament, but there wasn't a lot that she could do against an in-form Sabalenka.

Aryna Sabalenka, by the way, has now reached the semifinals of all four majors this year.

In the last quarterfinal to be played, Madison Keys began business just the same as those in the quarterfinals before her did, getting a 6-1 first set against Marketa Vondrousova. In the second set, Vondrousova was able to be more competitive, but failed to convert nine break opportunities, The Wimbledon champion still had her shoulder taped and was presumably still dealing with an elbow issue, though she didn't appear to be especially hampered in her movement.

Vondrousova saved two match points, but Keys prevailed, 6-1, 6-4. Vondrousova's failure to convert any break points was somewhat mystifying.

Keys last reached the semifinals of the U.S. Open in 2017, when she defeated Coco Vandeweghe in straight sets. She would go on to lose the final to Sloane Stephens, who defeated her 6-3, 6-0.

(And I'll take this opportunity to say that I think that Madi looks great in her stylish and colorful kit.)

Here is the singles semifinal draw:

Coco Gauff (6) vs. Karolina Muchova (10)
Madison Keys (17) vs. Aryna Sabalenka (2)

And here is the doubles semifinal draw:

Gaby Dabrowski/Erin Routliffe (16) vs. Hsieh Su-wei/Wang Xinyu (8)
Laura Siegemund/Vera Zvonareva (12) vs. Jen Brady/Luisa Stefani

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