Sat Jun 21 10:20:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Sabalenka Stages Miraculous Comeback, Saves Four Match Points to Conquer Rybakina in Berlin Thriller**
**Berlin, Germany** – World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka displayed incredible resilience and mental fortitude to defeat Elena Rybakina in a nail-biting quarterfinal match at the Berlin Open on Friday. Sabalenka saved four match points in the final-set tiebreak to secure a 7-6 (6), 3-6, 7-6 (6) victory in a match that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Rybakina appeared poised for victory, leading 6-2 in the deciding tiebreak. However, a fortunate net cord for Sabalenka on Rybakina’s first match point proved to be a turning point. The Belarusian seized the opportunity, reeling off five consecutive points to turn the tide and ultimately clinch the win as Rybakina faltered under the intense pressure.
The first set saw both players exchange breaks, culminating in a tiebreak that Sabalenka narrowly won 8-6. Rybakina responded strongly in the second set, securing an early break and closing it out 6-3. The deciding set was a tense affair, with Sabalenka breaking for a 5-4 lead but failing to serve out the match. Rybakina broke back, setting the stage for a dramatic tiebreak finish.
“Elena, she’s a great player, we had a lot of tough battles… honestly no idea how I was able to win those last points, I think I just got lucky,” Sabalenka said after the match. “It’s amazing to win matches like this, it trains your fighting spirit.”
Sabalenka will now face Czech player Marketa Vondrousova, who aims for her first final since her Wimbledon victory in 2023. Vondrousova defeated Ons Jabeur 6-4, 6-1 in their quarterfinal match, a rematch of the 2023 Wimbledon final.
In other quarterfinal action, Chinese qualifier Wang Xinyu advanced to the semi-finals after eighth seed Paula Badosa retired due to a right hip injury. Wang was leading 6-1, 0-0 when Badosa withdrew, smashing her racket in frustration following the post-match handshake. Wang will face either Amanda Anisimova or Liudmila Samsonova for a place in the final.
First Piper 