From desperation to confidence, Sabalenka flips the script

Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one, has flipped the script from desperation to confidence at the US Open. The top seed, who had not reached a final since completing the "Sunshine Double" in March, is now on the brink of a rare "three-peat" at the hardcourt major in New York. Sabalenka overcame her doubts with a clinical campaign, beating Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova in the quarter-finals and top American Jessica Pegula in the semi-final.

She now commands the longest hard-court Grand Slam final streak of all time, with eight consecutive wins dating back to her maiden major title win at the 2023 Australian Open. "I love New York," said Sabalenka. "I love being here, and I love the energy of the city. That's what drives me and inspires me to keep going." The semi-final win against Pegula, who had defeated Sabalenka only three months ago in Berlin, seemed to sweeten the victory.

"I was super desperate. I lost a tough match on grass against Jess, and I wasn't really performing well in the middle part of the season," she said. "So it kind of feels for me, talking about Grand Slams, like a last push of the season. I wanted it badly to go to the finals, and of course, I want to go all the way." Sabalenka now feels confident and mentally and physically strong, ready for whatever it takes to win.