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.

Jannik Sinner began his quest for an unprecedented fifth straight title at a Masters 1000 tournament with a runaway 6-3, 6-4 start over Stefan Ofner on Saturday in Rome.

The second-round clash between the German-speaking Italian world No. 1 from  the former Austrian territory of Alto Adige and an actual Austrian was played in front of a packed-out Campo Centrale with local fans in full voice.

The final three games of the march were twice interrupted by medical emergencies in the stands, resulting in around 20 or more cumulative minutes of delay. 

“It’s an amazing feeling,” Sinner said. “In the first matches, the most important thing is trying not to lose.

“The level changes day by day. This has always been a special tournament for me.

“Being Italian, you reflect on the year a little bit. I’m happy to be here. Every situation, every week is different I’m trying to get a good match rhythm again.”

Sinner has lifted four straight Masters titles – Paris, Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo – and could become the first man to ever win five on the trot. His current Masters win streak was extended to 29 straight.

A title next weekend at the Foro Italico would also complete his career matched set of all nine Masters 1000 titles.

Ofner began with a love game and gave Sinner a challenge but eventually took the loss after his initial flurry of form.

Sinner claimed the opener in 36 minutes and began the second with a break of the 82nd-ranked player who turns 30 on Tuesday.

The Italian, who lost the Rome final 2 months ago to Carlos Alcaraz, finished off the crowd-pleasing win as Ofner could not handle a forehand winner deep into the corner after 91 minutes.   

The Italian top seed won his 24th straight ATP match of the season as he advanced while denying Ofner a first win over a top 10 player after a dozen previous losses to the elite.

Main photo:- Jannik sinner won Miami Open in April – by ISF Ltd

Jannik Sinner wrapped up a spot in his first final in Madrid on Friday and extended his Masters 1000 win streak to 27 matches.

The world No. 1 was on fire in an 86-minute defeat of Frenchman Arthur Fils, with the 6-2, 6-4 scoreline moving him to one more match win of claiming titles at an unprecedented five Masters events in a row.

The Italian’s streak in the elite ATP series began with an indoor trophy last November in Paris and has continued this season with more of the same at Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo a month ago.

Sinner dispatched Fils on his first match point after breaking in the previous game with an explosive backhand winner down the line to cap a 24-shot rally.

“In the first set I tried to play very aggressive,” Sinner said. “I was feeling very comfortable in the returns.”In the second set he served better and it was more difficult for me. But I’m happy in general with the performance today, I’m trying to play the best tennis that I can.”

The Italian called his showing “a good day at the office.”

I’m happy that I played him, winning means a lot to me. I tried to play in the best possible way

Sinner will face off in Sunday’s final in the Spanish capital against either two-time champion Alexander Zverev, seeded third, or Belgian outsider Alexander Blockx.