US Open: Sabalenka, too strong for Pliskova, returns to semi-final

The 24-year-old Belarusian will try to reach her first Major final on Thursday against world No.1 Iga Swiatek or American Jessica Pegula (8th).

If Pliskova, finalist at Flushing Meadows in 2016, remained on two victories in four confrontations, including one in the semi-finals at Wimbledon last year, she could not compete this time with the power of Sabalenka.

"In our last two matches, maybe I didn't respect her enough, I thought I was on top. But today, I expected a long and difficult meeting. She indeed very well played, but I managed to keep my game at a high level," she said after her victory.

The Belarusian was very aggressive in the exchanges, unlike her rival, sounded with winning shots (30 against 10), borrowed, not mobile enough and too clumsy, especially in the service since she committed 5 of her 7 double faults in a first set swallowed in 29 minutes by his opponent.

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"I am ready"

Pliskova, 30, who was playing her fifth quarter in New York, held up better in the second set, but not enough to create a single break point.

She came within two points to tie it at 4-4, but then Sabalenka released a service winner and a powerful down-line backhand to push her away.

The Belarusian, who has seven titles to his name, then closed the deal in the decisive game on his second match point converted by a missile as a winning return.

Sabalenka, who had to save two match points against the Estonian Kaia Kanepi in the 2nd round, before being pushed again in the third set in the 8th by the American Danielle Collins, therefore continues her journey with more authority and solidity. .

"I'm ready for another fight," warned the player who will have to confirm her ability to renew this type of show of force in the next round, regardless of her future opponent.

Because Belarus tends to be prey to great nervousness in its major meetings.

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As against Pliskova at Wimbledon, she had finally cracked last year against the resistance of the young Canadian Leylah Fernandez, who had blocked her way to the final of the US Open.

© 2022 AFP