Wang, Hsieh reach U.S. Open women’s doubles semis, Zheng falls short

China’s rising tennis prospect Wang Xinyu and veteran Hsieh Su-wei of Chinese Taipei have carried the day once again, securing their incredible tenth consecutive team victory at the majors. In a hard-fought battle, the pair overcame the formidable No. 3 seeds, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-4 on Wednesday to storm into the women’s doubles semifinals of the U.S. Open. 

In a match characterized by its fluctuating momentum, American duo Gauff and Pegula swiftly surged ahead with a commanding 3-0 lead in the opening set. However, their advantage quickly evaporated as the No. 8 seeds, Wang and Hsieh, won an impressive nine consecutive points, leveling the score at 3-3.

Displaying remarkable resilience, the duo managed to navigate their way through the first set, gaining the well-deserved upper hand. To their credit, Gauff and Pegula mounted a comeback in the second set, but they encountered difficulties in maintaining their service holds. Following a crucial break by Wang and Hsieh, the dynamic duo secured a 2-1 lead. 

The 37-year-old Hsieh showcased her unwavering determination by successfully fending off seven break points during the most protracted game of the match. This sensational feat bolstered their lead, which ultimately stabilized at 4-1. 

Exhibiting a heightened level of aggression at the net, Gauff and Pegula launched an impressive late rally, leveling the decider at 4-4. Regrettably, a subsequent subpar service game from their side provided Wang and Hsieh with a final opportunity to break.  

Seizing this chance, Wang and Hsieh capitalized on their opponents’ vulnerability and secured a crucial break. With unwavering composure, Wang calmly served out the victory, culminating in a highly competitive match that lasted more than two hours. 

Wang and Hsieh’s next challenge will be a captivating encounter with the 16th seeds, Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe. The latter duo caused quite a stir by upsetting the No.6 seeds, Leylah Fernandez and Taylor Townsend, with a thrilling 2-6, 6-3, 7-6(8) victory in the quarterfinals.

Earlier in the day, Zheng Qinwen’s memorable journey in the women’s singles came to an end at the hands of Aryna Sabalenka, the second seed from Belarus. Sabalenka, who is set to claim the prestigious position as the world’s No. 1 next week, booked her spot in the semifinals with a commanding 6-1, 6-4 triumph.  

Zheng had nurtured aspirations of orchestrating another upset, having reached her inaugural Grand Slam quarterfinal by stunning last year’s finalist, Ons Jabeur, in the fourth round. However, the 20-year-old Chinese prodigy struggled to find her footing against the powerful Sabalenka, who demonstrated her dominance from start to finish.  

Sabalenka’s supremacy was exemplified in her impeccable serving performance. The 25-year-old won 23 out of 26 points on her first serve and 13 out of 19 points on her second serve. Zheng, on the other hand, struggled to create any break point opportunities throughout the entirety of the tie.

“She has one of the fastest serve in tour, close speed to some men’s,” reflected Zheng after her loss. “If you want to beat her, first you have to know how to handle her service game… Today I didn’t handle it well. That’s why I couldn’t break her even once.”

Sabalenka, who has not dropped a set this year at Flushing Meadows, will next face American 17th seed Madison Keys, who crushed Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova 6-1 6-4.