Hard-hitting Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka reached her fourth straight US Open semi-final as she rolled past China’s Zheng Qinwen 6-1, 6-2.

Sabalenka beat Zheng to pick up her second Australian Open title earlier this year and used the same playbook at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where she dominated the seventh seed with her trademark mighty forehand.

Fresh off winning the Olympic title, Zheng appeared drained and was missing one of the best weapons in her arsenal as she only made 44% of her first serves. Sabalenka will next play American Emma Navarro.

Tumaini Carayol’s full report to follow.