Audio By Carbonatix
Aryna Sabalenka says she used her ban from Wimbledon as motivation in her quest for Grand Slam success after reaching the US Open semi-finals.
Russian and Belarusian players, such as 24-year-old Sabalenka, were not allowed to play at Wimbledon this year because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The world number six said she used the extra "pre-season" to work on her game.
"They took one opportunity from me, and I worked really hard for this one," she said after beating Karolina Pliskova.
Sabalenka, who beat Czech 22nd seed Pliskova 6-1 7-6 (7-4), will play Poland's world number one Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals.
Swiatek, 21, advanced to the last four in New York for the first time with a scrappy 6-3 7-6 (7-4) win over American hope Jessica Pegula.
Latest Stories
-
Abolish or Reform? Abu Jinapor counsels sober reflection on debate over future of Special Prosecutor’s Office
2 hours -
2026 World Cup: Can Ghana navigate England, Croatia, and Panama in Group L?
2 hours -
NAIMOS task force arrests 9 Chinese illegal miners, destroys equipment at Dadieso
2 hours -
NAIMOS advances into Atiwa Forest, uncovers child labour, river diversion and heavy machinery
3 hours -
NAIMOS Task Force storms Fanteakwa South, dismantles galamsey operations
3 hours -
The Kissi Agyebeng Removal Bid: A Look at the Numbers
4 hours -
DVLA to roll out digitised accident reports, new number plates and 24-hour services
4 hours -
DVLA Workers’ Union opens 2025 Annual Residential Delegates Congress with call for excellence, equity and solidarity
5 hours -
Scholarships Secretariat sets December 8–9 interviews for Commonwealth Scholarship applicants
5 hours -
WASSCE decline reveals deep gaps, there’s need to overhaul education system – Franklin Cudjoe
5 hours -
JOY FM Drive Time host Lexis Bill leads fans up Aburi Mountain in energetic ‘Walk With Lexis’ fitness experience
6 hours -
2026 World Cup: Ghana to open campaign in Toronto against Panama
6 hours -
President Mahama, Lordina support retired Assemblies of God pastors, widows with medical care and Christmas gifts
6 hours -
2025/26 GPL: Nations FC fight back to claim 2-1 win over Heart of Lions
6 hours -
Tanzania responds to international criticism over October post-election events
6 hours