In a thrilling Berlin Open quarterfinal, Aryna Sabalenka showcased her mental toughness by defeating Elena Rybakina in a dramatic three-set match. After saving four match points in the final-set tiebreak, Sabalenka claimed victory with an 8-6 win in the breaker. This intense battle featured fluctuating momentum as both players exchanged leads throughout the match. In another highlight of the tournament, Chinese qualifier Wang Xinyu advanced to the semifinals after Paula Badosa's retirement due to injury.

Sabalenka’s Resilience Shines Through

Aryna Sabalenka demonstrated extraordinary determination in her clash against Elena Rybakina. Despite facing multiple match points in the deciding set, she managed to turn the tide and secure a hard-fought victory. The Belarusian player capitalized on key moments, ultimately prevailing in a high-stakes tiebreak. Her performance underscored not only her technical prowess but also her unwavering mental strength under pressure.

The encounter began as a closely contested first set, where both competitors traded breaks before reaching a tiebreaker. Sabalenka edged ahead in this segment, setting the stage for what would become a rollercoaster match. Although Rybakina dominated the second set, Sabalenka refused to yield. In the final set, after failing to serve out the match, she regrouped and forced the decisive tiebreak. Here, she displayed remarkable composure, rallying from behind to snatch victory. Reflecting on her triumph, Sabalenka credited luck but acknowledged that her past experiences in similar situations had prepared her for such challenges.

Rising Talent Makes Mark on Berlin Court

Chinese player Wang Xinyu continued her impressive run at the Berlin Open by advancing to the semifinals following Paula Badosa's withdrawal. Ranked 49th globally, Wang has been a revelation this week, defeating higher-seeded opponents en route to her latest success. Her journey included a stunning upset of Coco Gauff, showcasing her growing confidence and skill level on the professional circuit.

Badosa's decision to retire was prompted by a right hip injury, which left her visibly frustrated during the post-match handshake. Her reaction highlighted the disappointment felt when physical limitations cut short promising performances. Meanwhile, Wang's ascent reflects broader trends in women's tennis, where emerging talents increasingly challenge established stars. Moving forward, she will aim to replicate her earlier triumphs against formidable adversaries like Amanda Anisimova or Liudmila Samsonova. This tournament provides Wang with invaluable experience as she seeks to establish herself among the elite players in the sport. Additionally, Sabalenka's next opponent, Marketa Vondrousova, brings fresh excitement to the competition, ensuring fans are treated to more captivating matches in the days ahead.