Belarusian tennis star Arina Sobolenko advances to the US Open final after a gripping semifinal
Arina Sobolenko, the Belarusian tennis standout, faced US contender Madison Keys in a dramatic semifinal at the US Open in New York. The encounter swung wildly, with Sobolenko taking the first set 0-6 before rallying to win two tightly contested tiebreaks, 7-6 (7-1) and 7-6 (10-5). The match stretched to two hours and thirty-two minutes, delivering high drama and athletic resilience that captivated fans in North America and beyond.
In the championship match, Sobolenko was set to meet American hopeful Coco Gauff, who had defeated Czech player Karolina Muchova in their semifinal. Gauff dominated in two sets, finishing 6-4 and 7-5 after one hour and fifty-seven minutes of play, earning a place in the final and continuing her rise during this tournament season.
Earlier in the tournament, Sobolenko navigated a challenging path to the quarterfinals by defeating Russia’s Daria Kasatkina. The straight-sets victory, 6-1, 6-3, showcased Sobolenko’s efficiency and left Kasatkina as the sole Russian remaining in the women’s singles bracket before that round concluded.
The US Open, staged in New York City, stands as one of tennis’s four Crown events, commonly referred to as Grand Slams. At the current stage of this season, Iga Swiatek of Poland holds the title of defending champion. The tournament purse reached a substantial level, underscoring the prestige and appeal of major tennis across North America. The competition schedule culminates in September, marking the close of a full year of high-intensity play for players from the United States, Canada, and beyond.
Recent developments and commentary from the event have noted discipline moments on court, including a situation in the semifinal where Sobolenko faced a referee decision after an on-court incident involving a check and racket usage. Such moments add to the tournament’s narrative and highlight the intensity players bring to these high-stakes matches.