🎾 Sabalenka Survives Major Scare to Reach Wimbledon Semi-Finals After Gruelling Battle With Siegemund
World number one Aryna Sabalenka narrowly avoided a stunning upset on Tuesday, clawing back from a set down to defeat veteran German Laura Siegemund in a gruelling three-set battle and book her spot in the Wimbledon 2025 semi-finals.
Sabalenka, 27, needed two hours and 54 minutes on a sun-drenched Centre Court to overcome Siegemund’s tactical brilliance and mental warfare, eventually prevailing 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 in one of the tournament's most intense showdowns.
"After the first set I was looking at my box and thinking, 'book the tickets, we are about to leave,'" Sabalenka admitted.
"But I knew I couldn’t show frustration. I had to keep fighting."
😰 Sabalenka Rattled by Siegemund’s 'Annoying' Style
Despite being the overwhelming favourite after many top seeds exited early, Sabalenka found herself outfoxed and frustrated by the 37-year-old German, known more for her doubles success than her singles prowess.
Siegemund’s slice-heavy, slow-paced style and fearless returning drove Sabalenka into mental and physical turmoil. The Belarusian dropped the opening set after managing to hold serve just once and needed a full reset during a bathroom break before finding rhythm in the second.
“That is one of the most uncomfortable, painful matches Sabalenka has ever had to play,” said former British No.1 Annabel Croft on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Siegemund made her play some of the worst tennis of her career — and nearly pulled off a miracle.”
🔄 Momentum Swings and Grit in the Decider
Siegemund, chasing a career-first Wimbledon semi-final, looked set to complete a monumental upset when she broke Sabalenka early in the deciding set. But the world No.1 showed why she's reached the last three major finals, finding just enough power and patience to hang on.
The Belarusian broke back twice and held her nerve to close the match with a relieved winner at the net, collapsing in celebration.
"It doesn’t matter if you're a big-hitter or big server — you have to work, run and earn the victory," Sabalenka said.
“It is tough, but beautiful.”
🚨 What’s Next?
Sabalenka will face either Amanda Anisimova or Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the semi-finals, as she continues her march toward a first Wimbledon singles final.
Having already reached finals at the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open, Sabalenka is now two wins away from completing an astonishing career sweep of all four Grand Slam finals.
