Aryna Sabalenka faces American Emma Navarro in the US Open semi-final on Thursday and joked about winning over the home crowd by offering them drinks if they cheer for her.
Following her smooth 6-1, 6-2 victory over China's Zheng Qinwen on Tuesday, Sabalenka addressed how she might gain support against Navarro at Arthur Ashe Stadium during an on-court interview.
"Drinks on me tonight?" Sabalenka said. "Drink on me and please give me some support in the next match," she added, as the crowd clapped and cheered.
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Sabalenka has had mixed experiences with Flushing Meadows fans, calling out their lack of support during last year's final against Coco Gauff and later shedding tears during the trophy ceremony.
"Before, when you just coming up on tour, like, for you making the second week, it's something crazy, and you see stuff like crazy, and you put so much pressure on you about the Grand Slams, about the results and everything," she said.
"Nowadays, I'm just trying to take things easier ... I'm just trying to take it easy," she added.
