Hard-hitting Aryna Sabalenka reached her fourth straight US Open semi-final on Tuesday as she rolled past China's seventh-seeded Zheng Qinwen 6-1, 6-2.

The rematch of this year's Australian Open final, where Sabalenka also triumphed in straight sets, never lived up to its hype.

The Belarusian world number two used the same playbook at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where she dominated Zheng with her trademark mighty forehand.

Sabalenka converted four of eight chances to break Zheng's serve while saving the only break point she faced.

She also finished with 16 winners to Zheng's nine.

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 percent of her first serves.

Runner-up to Coco Gauff in New York last year, Sabalenka next takes on another American, Emma Navarro, for a place in the final.

She knew she will not be the crowd favorite in the upcoming match.

"Drinks on me tonight?" she told the crowd in her post-match interview, with a grin on her face. "Drinks on me, and please give me some support in the next match." (Reuters)