"I have to play my best tennis so Roger Federer enjoys it" - Aryna Sabalenka on putting on a show for Swiss legend during US Open QF win

Aryna Sabalenka recalled the moment she spotted Roger Federer on the big screen, watching her match against Qinwen Zheng of China in the quarterfinals at the 2024 US Open. Sabalenka kept her best foot forward to impress the 20-time Grand Slam title winner and defeated her opponent in straight sets.

Aryna Sabalenka, the 2023 US Open finalist, is looking to make it to the winner's podium this year. Sporting a strong form, the Belarusian ousted Priscilla Hon in the first round, Lucia Bronzetti in the second, Ekaterina Alexandrova in the third and Elise Mertens in the fourth to advance to the quarterfinals against the reigning Olympic gold medalist, Qinwen Zheng.

Mid-way through the match, her eyes caught the legendary Roger Federer seated in the stands, watching her play. She was determined to show her 'slice skills' since it's not every day that the five-time US Open titlist is in attendance.

"I saw him there, saw him on the big screen. I'm pretty sure he came to watch Tiafoe and Dimitrov, but still, I was like, okay, ‘I have to play my best tennis so he enjoys it. I have to show my skills, you know, slice skills, come to the net and all that stuff. (Laughter.) Yeah, that was a nice moment. Nice to see him around," she said in a post-match interview.

The former World No. 1 in singles and doubles defeated Zheng in straight sets 6-1, 6-2. Aryna Sabalenka will clash against her US counterpart Emma Navarro in the semi-final match-up, slated for September 6, 2024.

Federer last played at the 2019 US Open and concluded his storied career at the 2022 Laver Cup. The Swiss made an 89-14 record at the US Open, having won consecutive titles from 2004 to 2008. He also made it to the 2009 and 2015 finals in Flushing Meadows.

Aryna Sabalenka has no plans to exit early from the 2024 US Open

2024 US Open - Day 9 - Source: Getty

The two-time Australian Open champion reached the finals at the 2023 US Open, where she clashed against the seven-time career singles titlist, Coco Gauff. The latter won in three sets and became the youngest US Open champion after Serena Williams (1999).

However, at the 2024 edition, Gauff exited in the fourth round, losing to Emma Navarro, which made Aryna Sabalenka a clear favorite for the pole spot.

"I really enjoying playing on these big stadiums. I feel all the support. I just don't want to leave early here. I just want to stay as long as I can and enjoy this beautiful court and beautiful atmosphere," the 26-year-old said. (via BBC)

Sabalenka also defended her Australian Open title earlier this year, becoming the first woman to defend her title since Azarenka did it in 2013.