The world number one, Aryna Sabalenka, survived a late scare from veteran Laura Siegemund at Wimbledon, battling back from a set and two breaks down to claim a 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 victory in 2 hours and 54 minutes. This marathon match stands as the third-longest at this year's Championships and saw Sabalenka dig deep against the relentless baseline game of the 37-year-old German.
Siegemund, chasing her first win over a world No. 1 in five attempts, stunned fans by taking the opening set 6-4 and breaking early in the decider for a 2-1 lead. But Sabalenka, who has already been runner-up at the Australian Open and Roland Garros this season, flipped the momentum in a dominant second set, 6-2, before edging through the final frame.
By closing out the match 6-4, Sabalenka not only secured her spot in the Wimbledon semifinals for the third time in her career but also celebrated her 12th Grand Slam semifinal overall. With titles already won in Brisbane, Miami and Madrid this season, she became the first player to lock in a place at the year-end WTA Finals.
"It's not an unknown game, it's a smart game," Sabalenka said after the match. "You have to work for every point, earn each win. I focused on myself and tried not to give her the energy she thrives on."
Up next for the top seed is a showdown with rising American Amanda Anisimova, who has impressed with her powerful groundstrokes and fearless court coverage. As Sabalenka eyes her third Grand Slam final in 2024 and fourth in a row, the stage is set for another blockbuster encounter at SW19.
Reference(s):
Sabalenka beats Siegemund 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 to reach Wimbledon semifinals
cgtn.com
