Aryna Sabalenka is into the US Open final for a second successive year after defeating home-hope Emma Navarro in straight sets.

The Belarusian came unstuck in last year’s final by the resilience of Coco Gauff, who produced an epic comeback to capture the hearts of her country.

In doing so, Gauff became the first American teenager to win at Flushing Meadows since Serena Williams did in 1999.

However, Sabalenka is back to her blistering best and has also matched an incredible achievement set by Williams en route to reaching the final.

Photo by Fatih Aktas/Anadolu via Getty Images

Aryna Sabalenka follows in the footsteps of Serena Williams at the US Open

Aryna Sabalenka has extended her win streak to 11 as she heads into her fourth grand slam final.

The world number two established herself as a firm favorite after she clinched the title in Cincinnati in emphatic fashion but will have her work cut out against in-form Jessica Pegula.

It is yet to be seen if there will be a hangover caused by the heartbreak suffered in the championship match 12 months ago, but it could well play a part on Saturday.

Sabalenka has been the most consistent performer at grand slam level in recent years, having reached at least the semi-finals in seven out of the previous eight that she has contested.

In reaching the final once again at Flushing Meadows this year, Sabalenka has become the first woman to reach back-to-back US Open singles finals since Serena Williams did in 2018 and 2019.

Sabalenka’s run to the US Open final

Sabalenka came into this year’s US Open as a clear favorite, but it was not long before she faced adversity in her quest for a third major.

In the third round, she found herself trailing a set to the 29th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova.

However, the 26-year-old has not blinked since that moment, winning eight out of the following eight sets she played to reach the final.