World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka demonstrated remarkable resilience by overcoming Elena Rybakina in a thrilling Berlin Open quarterfinal match on Friday. The final score was 7-6 (6), 3-6, 7-6 (6), with Sabalenka saving four match points during an intense final set tiebreak.
Rybakina initially took a commanding lead of 6-2 in the tiebreak, seemingly poised to secure her spot in the semifinals. However, after her first match point was derailed by a net cord, the dynamic shifted dramatically. Sabalenka seized the opportunity, winning five consecutive points to ultimately claim the victory as Rybakina struggled to maintain her composure under pressure.
The match was characterized by a back-and-forth battle, particularly in the first set where Rybakina initially broke Sabalenka’s serve for a 4-2 lead. Nevertheless, Sabalenka quickly responded, and after holding serve throughout, she edged the tiebreak 8-6.
Rybakina came back strong in the second set, establishing a 2-0 lead and breaking Sabalenka late to close the set 6-3. The decisive final set saw Sabalenka break for a 5-4 lead, but she couldn’t close out the match, allowing Rybakina to break back and hold serve for 6-5. Sabalenka then managed to hold her serve under immense pressure, leading to another tiebreak that would decide the match.
After her hard-fought win, Sabalenka praised Rybakina’s talent, stating, “She’s a great player…no idea how I was able to win those last points, I think I just got lucky.” Reflecting on her experience, she expressed pride in her ability to fight until the last point and noted that these dramatic comebacks contribute positively to her competitive spirit and preparation for future tournaments.
In the semifinals, Sabalenka will face Czech player Marketa Vondrousova, who is pursuing her first final since her Wimbledon victory in 2023. Vondrousova secured her spot after defeating Ons Jabeur 6-4, 6-1 in a rematch of the 2023 Wimbledon final.
Meanwhile, Chinese qualifier Wang Xinyu secured a semifinal berth after eighth seed Paula Badosa retired due to a right hip injury during their match. Wang was leading 6-1, 0-0 when Badosa withdrew, visibly frustrated and smashing her racket in response. Wang’s journey has been noteworthy this week, adding to her profile after defeating second seed Coco Gauff in an earlier round.
This high-stakes competition continues to showcase the talent and tenacity of top players, both seasoned and rising, with fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming semifinals.