Aryna Sabalenka becomes first player since Serena Williams to reach semifinals of all four Grand Slams in single season

The Belarusian is now into her third straight US Open semifinal. 

Aryna Sabalenka continued her quest for her second Grand Slam title this year after overcoming China's Zheng Qinwen in straight sets in US Open 2023 quarter-final. At the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday (September 5th), the second seed Sabalenka went past the 23rd seed Zheng (6-1, 6-4) to advance to her fifth consecutive grand slam semifinal, in one hour and 13 minutes.

This put an end to the Chinese fortunate run at the US Open. She has so far won every match she has played in straight sets. With the victory, the Belarussian becomes the first player since Serena Williams in 2016 to advance for the semifinals of all four Grand Slams in a calendar year. Serena made it to the finals of the Australian Open and the French Open - finishing runner up. Post winning the Wimbledon Championships, she lost in the semifinals at the Flushing Meadows.

In the current season, Sabalenka won the Australian Open before losing in the semifinals of French Open and Wimbledon Championships. Sabalenka in the quarterfinals, dominated her Chinese opponent with 17 victories and never faced a break point. She will take over the top spot in the world rankings next week, following Iga Swiatek's loss to Jelena Ostapenko in the fourth round.

The Belarussian has officially secured a spot in her third consecutive US Open semifinals. The soon-to-be World No. 1 will next take on America's Madison Keys, who defeated Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova following her strong performance. The two have played each other thrice where Sabalenka leads the American 2-1. 

In the other semi-final, sixth seed and home favourite Coco Gauff is set to 10th seed Karolina Muchova.