Sabalenka Shines with Federer in the Stands
Aryna Sabalenka, the world-renowned Belarusian tennis star, recently found herself in a unique and exhilarating situation at the US Open. With none other than Roger Federer, the Swiss maestro and tennis legend, watching from the stands, Sabalenka felt an extra surge of motivation to deliver her best performance.
During her quarter-final match against Qinwen Zheng, Sabalenka was acutely aware of Federer’s presence. “I saw him there, saw him on the big screen,” she shared with a smile. “I mean, I’m pretty sure he came to watch Tiafoe and Dimitrov, but still, I was like, ‘Okay, I have to play my best tennis so he enjoys it’.”
Sabalenka’s determination to impress Federer was evident in her gameplay. She showcased a variety of skills, from precise slices to aggressive net play, ensuring that every point was a testament to her talent and hard work. Her efforts paid off as she cruised to a dominant victory, securing her spot in the semi-finals.
Federer’s presence in the stands added a layer of excitement and inspiration for Sabalenka. Known for his elegance and mastery on the court, Federer has been a role model for many players, including Sabalenka. “I had to show my skills, you know, slice skills, come to the net and all that stuff,” she said, reflecting on the match.
This encounter highlights the profound impact that legends like Federer continue to have on the sport, even from the sidelines. For Sabalenka, it was not just about winning the match but also about performing at a level that would make one of her idols proud. Her ability to rise to the occasion and deliver under pressure is a testament to her growing stature in the tennis world.
As Sabalenka moves forward in the tournament, she carries with her the confidence and inspiration drawn from this memorable experience. With Federer watching, she not only played her best tennis but also created a moment that will be cherished by fans and players alike.
Sabalenka at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2024
LLWWWWWWWL Currently the world no.2, the Belarussian owns a compiled 44-11 record in 2024. The Belarussian is competing at the U.S. Open where she conquered the world no.203 Priscilla Hon 6-3 6-3, the world no.76 Lucia Bronzetti 6-3 6-1, the world no.31 Ekaterina Alexandrova 2-6 6-1 6-2, the world no.35 Elise Mertens 6-2 6-4 and the world no.7 Qinwen Zheng 6-1 6-2.
Aryna Sabalenka will play the world no.12 Emma Navarro in the semifinal. Their actual record is 1-1.
The Belarussian clinched 2 titles in 2024 at the Australian Open and Cincinnati. The Belarussian was the runner-up in Brisbane (Brisbane International), in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open) and in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia).
Sabalenka won 15 titles in her career: 11 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
