Sabalenka Fights Back to Reach Wimbledon Semifinals
Aryna Sabalenka, ranked No. 1 since last October, staged a remarkable comeback after trailing by a set and being down twice by a break in the third set. She ultimately triumphed over 104th-ranked Laura Siegemund with a score of 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 during a thrilling match at Centre Court on Tuesday.
Sabalenka’s Grand Slam Journey
Despite her impressive track record, including two Australian Open victories and one US Open title, Sabalenka has yet to reach the title match at Wimbledon—the only Grand Slam where she hasn’t made it. She was a runner-up in this year’s Australian Open and French Open.
Emotional Control Key to Victory
After her loss to Gauff at the French Open—where she made 70 unforced errors—Sabalenka recognized the importance of managing her emotions and refining her strokes. “I think there’s a big possibility that I would have lost this match if I didn’t learn that lesson at the French Open,” she reflected.
A Challenging Opponent
Sabalenka had a dominant run at this year’s tournament until she faced Siegemund, the oldest woman in the quarterfinals. Known for her unconventional playing style, Siegemund posed a unique challenge, forcing Sabalenka to adapt her game significantly.
Shifts in Momentum
Throughout the match, Siegemund’s ability to alter the pace and angle of her shots frustrated Sabalenka, particularly in the decisive set. Despite moments of confusion and doubt, Sabalenka managed to regroup and finish strong, winning 12 of the final 16 points in a contest that lasted nearly three hours.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Sabalenka improves to 12-1 in major quarterfinal matches, an impressive statistic that places her among the best in the Open era. She is set to face No. 13 seed Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals, aiming to join Venus Williams as the only active women to reach finals at all four major tournaments.
Head-to-Head Showdown
Sabalenka’s upcoming duel with Anisimova is anticipated, as they recently met in the round of 16 at the French Open, where Sabalenka emerged victorious. Although Anisimova leads their head-to-head 5-3, they have yet to compete on grass, adding an intriguing layer to their clash.
