Swiatek weathers Sabalenka storm to reach maiden US Open final

Top seed Iga Swiatek rallied from a set down to overpower Aryna Sabalenka on Thursday night at the US Open, advancing to her second Grand Slam final of the season.

The World No.1 showed her mental fortitude in the 3-6 6-1 6-4 victory, never giving up despite being a break down in the final set. Sabalenka powered through the opening set, putting pressure on her opponent's second serve to obtain the break and find herself one set away from her first Major final.

However, Swiatek rediscovered her form in the second set, displaying her superior shot-making ability. The 21-year old dictated play, taking away time from Sabalenka as she seized the second set.

Nonetheless, the Belarusian star was first to capitalize on a break point in the deciding set, establishing a 2-0 lead. With momentum swinging between both players, it was Swiatek who was forced to break back and level the score at 2-2. Another exchange of breaks saw both ladies tied at 4-4, with the 2022 French Open champion finally holding serve to lead 5-4.

It was here that Sabalenka faltered, as the pressure applied by her higher-ranked opponent was too much. An errant backhand on match-point gave Swiatek the victory, sending her to her first final in Flushing Meadows after two hours and 11 minutes.

Awaiting the Polish star in the final is Ons Jabeur, who dispatched of Caroline Garcia to reach her second consecutive Grand Slam final. Both ladies are tied 2-2 in career meetings, with Swiatek winning their most recent encounter in the Rome final earlier this year.