NEW YORK: World number one Iga Swiatek defeated Aryna Sabalenka in three sets to set up a US Open final showdown with Ons Jabeur on Thursday.
Two-time French Open champion Swiatek came from behind to defeat sixth-seed Sabalenka 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium and reach her maiden US Open final.
Sabalenka had been chasing the first Grand Slam final of her career after just missing out with semi-final defeats at Wimbledon and the US Open last year.
But the 24-year-old from Belarus suffered a late collapse while leading in the third set as Swiatek edged victory.
Polish star Swiatek said an emergency bathroom break after losing the first set had been crucial.
“I kind of needed to go,” Swiatek said. “For sure I felt lighter. I’m sorry – that’s disgusting,” the 21-year-old added.
“I tried to use that time to think about what to change because I remember when I was younger all I would do in the bathroom between sets after I lost was cry.
“But this time I could think about what to change and actually problem solve.”
