World number one Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the women’s singles semi-finals after a solid performance against Marie Bouzkova, winning the match with a scoreline of 6-3, 6-4. This victory not only demonstrates her skill on the court but also showcases her resilience in high-pressure situations, especially since she faced an initial setback when Bouzkova broke her serve in the very first game.
Sabalenka, the top-seeded Belarusian player, will now set her sights on the formidable 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva, who pulled off an impressive feat by defeating former world number two Ons Jabeur with a score of 6-4, 7-6 (7-2). Their upcoming match promises to be a thrilling encounter, especially given their recent history. The last time these two faced off was during the 2024 French Open, where Andreeva shocked the tennis world by overcoming Sabalenka in a tightly contested match that ended with the scores of 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-4. This victory made Andreeva the youngest player to reach a Grand Slam semi-final since Martina Hingis achieved the same milestone back in 1997.
Bouzkova’s quarter-final match against Sabalenka started with promise, as she showcased her aggressive play by breaking Sabalenka’s serve early on. However, the experience and determination of the three-time major winner ultimately shone through, as she quickly regrouped to claim the first set after 51 minutes of intense competition. With momentum on her side, Sabalenka secured the second set in 53 minutes, all while eyeing her 18th career title, which would further solidify her status in the world of tennis.
Reflecting on her performance, the 26-year-old Sabalenka expressed her relief and satisfaction. “It’s always tough battles against Bouzkova and I had lost the last one [in Washington]. I came into the match really focused and I’m happy I was able to put her under pressure and finish the match in straight sets,” she remarked. This statement not only reflects her mindset but also highlights her tactical approach to the game.
As for her upcoming match against Andreeva, Sabalenka spoke highly of her opponent. “Andreeva is a great player. We recently played an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi where I got to know her better. She is also a great person and I am really looking forward to playing against her.” This shows respect and acknowledgment of Andreeva’s talent, alongside a sense of excitement for the challenge that lies ahead.
In the other half of the draw, Russia’s Polina Kudermetova will face Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina in the remaining women’s singles semi-final, setting the stage for a dynamic showdown in the tournament’s closing rounds. As the competition intensifies, all eyes will be on the thrilling matchups that promise to deliver high-level tennis and captivating moments.
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