Sabalenka stood up to Zheng and the crowd: "A perfect attitude".

Aryna Sabalenka has been in a state of grace since Cincinnati.

In four tournaments, she has won the title three times and is now putting serious pressure on Iga Swiatek in the battle for world number one.

Opposed to an in-form Qinwen Zheng and buoyed by an enthusiastic crowd, the Belarusian kept her cool right to the end.

Winning after more than 2 hours (6-3, 5-7, 6-3), the world number 2 impressed many observers.

Selima Sfar, consultant for Bein Sports, said: "You don't realize it, but there were 15,000 people cheering Zheng on even between Sabalenka's two serves.

When she missed the first few balls, you could hear the crowd screaming. She had 15,000 people against her and Zheng was not easy to deal with.

Despite the swear words on her lips, Sabalenka maintained a perfect attitude.

Her attitude was just incredible. It was strong."