Marie Bouzkova Stuns Aryna Sabalenka in Dramatic Mubadala Citi DC Open Semi-Final

Marie Bouzkova made an impressive comeback to secure an upset win as she fought back to defeat top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka with a score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the semi-finals of the Mubadala Citi DC Open. The match was marked by a dramatic turn of events, as Bouzkova found herself trailing 2-1 in the third set when inclement weather, including lightning and rain, interrupted play for three and a half hours. Following the resumption of play, Bouzkova demonstrated remarkable resilience by breaking Sabalenka’s serve and then proceeding to secure another crucial break, ultimately sealing the victory with a love game against the Australian Open champion.

It is noteworthy that Sabalenka was making her comeback in this tournament after withdrawing from Wimbledon due to a shoulder injury, adding an extra layer of significance to the encounter. Bouzkova’s remarkable performance sets the stage for an exciting final showdown against Paula Badosa of Spain, who emerged victorious with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Caroline Dolehide in the preceding semi-final. Notably, this final appearance represents a significant milestone for Bouzkova, as she vies for her first WTA 500 title.

In the men’s competition, the stage is set for an intriguing final as fourth-seeded Sebastian Korda is poised to face 10th-seeded Flavio Cobolli of Italy. Both contenders are seeking their first ATP Tour title, adding an element of anticipation and aspiration to the upcoming final. Korda’s journey to the final saw him triumph over fifth-seeded Frances Tiafoe in an all-American matchup, securing a 6-4, 6-4 victory that culminated shortly after midnight.

On the other hand, Cobolli’s path to the final involved a hard-fought victory over second-seeded Ben Shelton, with the match notably being moved to a secondary court, underscoring the tenacity and determination displayed by both players. Notably, Korda aims to etch his name in history by becoming the first American to clinch victory at the Washington event since Andy Roddick’s triumph in 2007, further intensifying the stakes of the impending final.