World number one Aryna Sabalenka put on a masterclass in resilience at Wimbledon, battling back from setbacks to defeat veteran Laura Siegemund 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. The match lasted an intense 2 hours and 54 minutes — the third-longest of this year's Championships — as Sabalenka rallied from a break down twice in the decisive set. 🎾💪
After dropping the first set 6-4 while Siegemund aimed to become the oldest first-time Grand Slam semifinalist in the Open Era, Sabalenka responded in style by taking the second set 6-2. The encounter was a roller coaster ride that kept fans on the edge of their seats!
This victory secured Sabalenka her 12th Grand Slam semifinal appearance and made her the first player to qualify for this year's WTA Finals. With triumphs in Miami, Madrid, and Brisbane adding to her trophy case, her next showdown will be against Amanda Anisimova. 🔥🏆
Sabalenka summed up the battle by saying, "It's not like it's an unknown game, it's a smart game. She's really making everyone work against her, and going into the match against her you know that you have to work for every point. It doesn't matter if you're a big server, if you're a big hitter, you have to work, you have to run, and you have to earn the win. Honestly I was just trying to focus on myself and make sure I don't give her that energy. I didn't want her to see that I was annoyed or anything by her, even if I was a little bit at some points. But I was trying not to give her that energy."
Reference(s):
Sabalenka beats Siegemund 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 to reach Wimbledon semifinals
cgtn.com
