MATCH REPORT | 2024 US Open: Aryna Sabalenka makes it back-to-back finals after strong performance against Navarro

Aryna Sabalenka returns to the US Open final after defeating Emma Navarro 6-3, 7-6(2). The world No. 2 reaches the final in Flushing Meadows for the second consecutive year and will seek her third Grand Slam title on Saturday when she faces the winner between Jessica Pegula and Karolina Muchova.

The Belarusian claimed her 45th win of the season and looked dominant against a resilient Navarro. The American stood her ground for much of the match, but gave up on key points. Although she had chances for a comeback at the end of the second set, Sabalenka finally pulled out her hierarchy for another straight-sets win.

The 2-time Grand Slam champion started strong with her serve and capitalized on her opponent's early nerves, securing a break to go up 2-0. The crowd started getting involved once Navarro looked more comfortable on the court, gaining confidence to be competitive.

In the third game, Sabalenka faced a break point for the first time in her last three matches, after easily advancing past Elise Mertens and Zheng Qinwen. A couple of errors cost her the break, and Navarro came alive to level the match at 2-2.

Navarro had solid service games when she landed her first serve, winning 67% of those points, but only 14% on her second serve. Sabalenka, as usual, tried to close out points quickly when attacking her opponent's serve, breaking again in the 6th game. Despite Navarro creating a chance to break back, Sabalenka took the set 6-3 after hitting 16 winners and committing 11 unforced errors.

Navarro didn’t seem to falter at the start of the second set. She held serve to love and led 2-1. The world No. 12 found success with her slice shots, troubling Sabalenka’s forehand. However, a string of errors followed, and Sabalenka seized the opportunity, winning 14 of the next 17 points, as the American edged closer to defeat.

Navarro had improved with her first serve, winning over 70% of those points, but only a minimal percentage with her second serve. Sabalenka became even more aggressive, leading to some unforced errors, but she remained firmly in control of the match.

Sabalenka got a break that took her ahead until 5-3 and had the chance to play on her serve to close the set. However, Navarro didn't give up so quickly, broke back and won the next three games in a row, forcing to define everything in a tie-break. In the end, the world No. 2 clinched the victory by 6-3, 7-6(2) and reaches her fourth Grand Slam final. She awaits the winner between Jessica Pegula and Karolina Muchova.