Aryna Sabalenka produced a stunning comeback at the Berlin Open, fighting back from a set and 4-0 down to defeat Nikola Bartunkova and secure her place in the semi-finals.
The Belarusian star was in deep trouble against Bartunkova, having lost the opening set 6-2 and facing a mountain to climb in the second. However, Sabalenka refused to surrender, clawing her way back into the match to eventually prevail 2-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 in a dramatic quarter-final encounter.
Turning Point in Berlin
The turnaround was particularly remarkable given the circumstances Sabalenka found herself in during the second set. Facing the prospect of a quick exit, she managed to level the match and force a tiebreak, which she dominated 7-2 to force a deciding set.
The momentum shift proved decisive as Sabalenka took control in the third set, breaking through Bartunkova’s resistance to secure the 6-4 victory and a berth in the last four.
The Mental Battle
The experience of being on the back foot clearly resonated with Sabalenka, who is accustomed to dictating matches with her aggressive style. “I did not know what to do. I was thinking woah, that’s how it feels to play against me,” she reflected on the challenge of being outplayed early in the contest.
Road to the Final
Sabalenka’s reward for the comeback is a semi-final meeting with Jessica Pegula, who will provide another stern test as the Belarusian seeks to reach the final of the Berlin Open.