Sabalenka finds her “little tiger” to fend off Czech challenge

Aryna Sabalenka rallied to reach her first semi-final since Miami last March as she called on her “little tiger” to salvage a 2-6, 7-6 (2), 6-4 fightback win over Czech Nikola Bartunkova.

The 20-year-old challenger ranked 62nd was playing only her third WTA quarter-final and gave the world No. 1 plenty of trouble.

Sabalenka won her ninth match of the season over players ranked outside the top 50, but she had to work to get it done in a rollicking final set with five breaks of serve.

“There was a little bit of frustration going on,” the winner said of the third set. “I was really not sure.

“But I tried to find the little tiger inside of me,” the player with a tiger tattoo on her arm said.

“I was not trying for winners as much as trying to stay aggressive.”‘

In the deciding set, Bsrtunkova twice came back from a break down as tension mounted for Sabalenka.

The outsider was broken for 5-4, putting Sabalenka in position to finally serve it out after nearly two and a half hours.

“She played incredible tennis, it’s unbelievable what she is able to do,” Sabalenka said of her opponent. 

“I needed to show I had something left. I needed to find a rhythm to come back. She’s a future superstar for sure.”

Sabaelnka moved into a semi against Jessica Pegula, who beat US compatriot Madison Keys 7-6 (5), 7-6 (8).

“It will be a battle, I hope I can make it,” Sabalenka said.

The pair have not played this season, with Sabalenka winning three of their four meetings in 2025.