Sabalenka edges Keys in US Open semifinal

Aryna Sabalenka reached her first U.S. Open final by edging Madison Keys of the U.S. The Belarusian will face No. 6-seeded Coco Gauff of the U.S. on Saturday.

September 8, 2023 - 3:13 PM

Aryna Sabalenka, of Belarus, reacts after defeating Madison Keys, of the United States, during the women's singles semifinals of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

NEW YORK (AP) — Way down and almost out, Aryna Sabalenka just kept reminding herself the match wasn’t over until the final point.

Then she momentarily forgot that it hadn’t arrived.

Sabalenka refocused after a premature victory celebration to wrap up a 0-6, 7-6 (1), 7-6 (10-5) victory over Madison Keys on Thursday night and reach her first U.S. Open final.

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