Ben Stiller’s favourite: US Open finalist Aryna Sabalenka

Sabalenka revealed she’d seen the interview, and was thrilled.

“That’s awesome, because I love him, I love his movies. It’s always been our favourite movies with my family, so when I saw that I sent it to my Mum and I translated [for] her. She’s like, ‘oh my God, that’s awesome’.

“So thank you so much [Ben], and I hope to see you at the next game (laughter).”

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McKenzie-McHarg continued: “Well that’s what I was going to ask – wouldn’t it be cool if Ben Stiller came into your players’ box and supported you?”

Sabalenka agreed. “I really would like to take picture with him,” she replied.

Given she remains alive in the tournament and is into a second straight final, she might get that chance.

She has evolved into the women’s game’s best player at the Grand Slams; become the most reliable performer at the sport’s four biggest events dating back to 2021.

EMMA NAVARRO: Grand Slam semifinalist and top-10 star

Iga Swiatek might be the world No.1 and have won more majors than Sabalenka, but she has not attained the same consistently-high level across all Grand Slam surfaces and venues.

Sabalenka has reached the semifinal stage in seven of her past eight Slam appearances, numbers not seen since Serena Williams almost a decade ago.