Set to face American Emma Navarro in front of the US Open's boisterous home fans, Aryna Sabalenka jokingly sought to peel off some of that partisan support by offering them a round of drinks if they cheered for her in their semi-final clash on Sept 5.
The world No. 2 Belarusian has had an up-and-down relationship with the Flushing Meadows crowd over the years, calling them out for a lack of support during last season's final against home favourite and eventual winner Coco Gauff before shedding tears at the trophy ceremony.
After her routine 6-1, 6-2 win over China's Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen on Sept 3, Sabalenka was asked in an on-court interview how she might get the home fans on her side against Navarro at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
"Drinks on me tonight?" she said. "Drinks on me and please give me some support in the next match," she added, as the crowd clapped and cheered.
The 26-year-old has reached at least the quarter-finals in the last eight Grand Slams she has played, and is in the last four of the US Open for the fourth year in a row.
This story is from the September 05, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 05, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SCCCI marks 60th anniversary of its iconic building with exhibition, $1.2m donation
At 14, he constructed a three-dimensional model of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) building without floor plans or architectural drawings.
Residents of Sunset Way estate, Clementi condo get new 1.2km road
For as long as he has lived in Clementi Street 12, Sunset Way has been Mr Chan Jun Xiong's only road home.
Community lawn, movable platforms| proposed at former railway station
URA studying suggestions that are part of winning proposal in competition
Disputed elections becoming a global phenomenon, report finds
Voter turnout is diminishing around the world and the results of elections are increasingly being questioned, a report on the state of democracy said on Sept 17.
UN chief condemns 'collective punishment' of Palestinians
He describes the suffering in Gaza as unimaginable but is hopeful of a ceasefire
Climate change set to worsen malnutrition crisis among children
Malnutrition is the world's worst child health crisis and climate change will only make things more severe, according to philanthropist Bill Gates.
More in S-E Asia focused on livelihoods over climate
Geopolitics driving region's concerns with food security, inflation: Researcher
Thai Cabinet approves $5.66b cash handout to help revive economy
Thailand's Cabinet approved a cash handout plan totalling 145.6 billion baht (S$5.66 billion) that will benefit millions of poor people and help stimulate South-east Asia's second-largest economy.
Singaporeans stay indoors to avoid worst of typhoon
They saw fallen trees, experienced power outages and had to cancel plans, but Singaporeans in Shanghai managed to keep themselves safe by staying indoors as Typhoon Bebinca raged outside.
Shanghai cleans up after strongest storm in decades
Emergency crew has to clear some 1,800 felled trees, restore power to 30,000 homes
