“Lessons learned”: Unlike in 2023 final, Sabalenka manages emotions in US Open semi-final win

Aryna Sabalenka is no stranger to having the crowd against her in Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open.

It’s not that the fans don’t like her, of course. It’s that she has a history of going up against players from the host nation on the biggest stages. Last summer, for example, Sabalenka faced Coco Gauff in the final at Flushing Meadows. The crowd proved to be a significant factor, especially rallying behind Gauff after she lost the first set to Sabalenka in swift fashion. Spurred on by a raucous atmosphere, Gauff ended up triumphing 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.

Fast forward 12 months and Sabalenka found herself battling American Emma Navarro in the semis on Thursday night.

Once again playing with a lead, the Belarusian failed to serve out the match at 5-4 in the second set. Squandering yet another advantage and letting her opponent back in it obviously brought back memories — or more like nightmares. This time, though, the blip was only temporary — Sabalenka steadied herself to hold off Navarro 6-3, 7-6 (2).

Last year, it was very tough experience — very tough lesson. Today in the match, I was, like, ‘No, no, no, Aryna, it’s not going to happen again.

Aryna Sabalenka

“That was very difficult match, especially at the end of the second set — I got a little emotional and had this little flashback on last year final, meaning the crowd atmosphere,” the world No 2 admitted. “I’m really glad that the lessons learned, and I was able to control my emotions and I was able to close this match in two sets.

“Last year, it was very tough experience — very tough lesson. Today in the match, I was, like, ‘No, no, no, Aryna, it’s not going to happen again. You have to control your emotions. You have to focus on yourself.’

“There was people supporting for me. I was trying to focus on them. I’m thinking, ‘come on, there is so many people supporting you. There is your team in the box. There is your family. Just focus on yourself and try to — not try — just fight for it.'”

ANOTHER AMERICAN STANDS IN SABALENKA’S WAY

Sabalenka fought for it, and this time she won. Now she is once again just a single victory away from winning the US Open for the first time in her career. Sure enough, yet another American — Jessica Pegula — stands in her way on Saturday afternoon.

“I had really tough lessons here in the past,” Sabalenka reflected. “I think I had so many opportunities here, but I didn’t use it for different reasons. I wasn’t ready. Then I got emotional. Then I just couldn’t handle the crowd.

“So many times I felt like I just missed opportunity, and every time I’m coming back here, I really enjoy being in New York, I enjoy these courts, I enjoy crowd, I enjoy playing in this beautiful stadium in front of the crowd. I enjoy the city, the time on the court.

“Every time I’m coming back here, I have this positive thinking, like, ‘Come, on, maybe this time.’ Every time I’m hoping that one day I’ll be able to hold that beautiful trophy.”

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