Sabalenka to Clash with Vondrousova in Semifinals

In a thrilling quarter-final match at the Berlin Open on Friday, world number one Aryna Sabalenka displayed incredible resilience, overcoming Elena Rybakina with a score of 7-6(6), 3-6, 7-6(6). Sabalenka saved four match points during the decisive final-set tiebreak.

Rybakina had gained a significant advantage, leading 6-2 in the final tiebreak, and seemed poised to secure her spot in the semi-finals. However, after a net cord denied her the initial match point, the momentum shifted in favor of Sabalenka.

The Belarusian player then seized control, securing five consecutive points and ultimately clinching victory as Rybakina struggled under the intense pressure.

Aryna Sabalenka’s determination and powerful play proved to be the deciding factors against the 2022 Wimbledon champion. The initial set was closely contested, with Rybakina achieving a break to establish a 4-2 lead, only for Sabalenka to respond immediately. Both athletes maintained their serve from 4-4, leading to a tiebreak where Sabalenka narrowly prevailed 8-6.

Rybakina retaliated strongly in the second set, quickly securing a 2-0 advantage and later breaking again to win the set 6-3.

The final set witnessed fierce competition, with Sabalenka breaking serve to lead 5-4 but failing to capitalize as Rybakina broke back and then held her serve for a 6-5 lead. Sabalenka managed to hold her serve amidst the tension, leading to a tiebreak that delivered the match’s most dramatic moments.

“Elena is an exceptional player, and we’ve had numerous challenging encounters in the later stages of tournaments. Honestly, I’m not sure how I managed to win those final points; I believe I simply got fortunate,” Sabalenka commented after the match.

“Early in my career, I secured many victories after facing match points. I was recently reflecting on how long it had been since I had such a dramatic comeback, and here it is.”

“Winning matches in this manner is incredible as it strengthens your fighting spirit for upcoming tournaments, and I am proud of my perseverance until the very last point.”

Aryna Sabalenka is now set to face Czech player Marketa Vondrousova, who is aiming for her first final appearance since her Wimbledon victory in 2023. Vondrousova triumphed over Ons Jabeur with a score of 6-4, 6-1 in a rematch of the 2023 Wimbledon final.

Chinese qualifier Wang Xinyu progressed to the semi-finals after eighth seed Paula Badosa withdrew due to a right hip injury during their quarter-final match.

Wang, currently ranked 49th globally, was leading 6-1, 0-0 when Badosa retired from the match. Visibly frustrated, the Spanish player smashed her racket and threw it across the court following the post-match handshakes.

The 23-year-old Wang has experienced a remarkable week in the German capital, including a victory over second seed Coco Gauff in the previous round. She is now scheduled to compete against either American Amanda Anisimova or Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova for a chance to reach the final.