"Every ball I would give her she would smack it with a winner”: Aryna Sabalenka survives 6-2, 4-0 scare to reach Berlin semifinals
WTA
Aryna Sabalenka reached the Berlin Ladies Open semifinals after a major escape against Nikola Bartunkova, recovering from a 6-2, 4-0 deficit to win in three sets and extend her run at the event. The world No. 1 was pushed to the limit before eventually closing out a 2-6, 7-6(2), 6-4 victory on Friday.
The match developed into one of Sabalenka’s most difficult tests of the season, with Bartunkova dictating large portions of the opening set and early stages of the second. The Czech teenager moved within two games of a double-break lead in the second set before the match shifted momentum.
Sabalenka admitted she struggled to find solutions during the early stages, describing a lack of clarity in how to respond to the level of aggression from her opponent. She later credited small tactical adjustments, particularly net approaches, for stabilising her position.
The win sets up a semifinal meeting with Jessica Pegula, who advanced after a straight-set victory over Madison Keys in two tiebreak sets, confirming a high-level last-four lineup in Berlin.
“She was just smacking the ball” — Sabalenka under sustained pressure
Sabalenka described Bartunkova’s performance as one of the most intense attacking displays she has faced in recent weeks, particularly during the opening phases of the match. The world No. 1 struggled to impose her usual baseline rhythm as the Czech consistently dictated with early ball striking.
“I just think she played incredible tennis. There was not much I could do, she was just smacking the ball like I don’t even know. It was an unbelievable level,” Sabalenka said during her on-court interview after the match.
The pressure was visible in the scoreline, with Sabalenka trailing 6-2, 4-0 before managing to reset her positioning in rallies. Bartunkova also held a break point for a potential 6-0, 5-2 lead, underlining the scale of the deficit Sabalenka was facing during the second set.
Sabalenka acknowledged that the match was largely shaped by her inability to initially find structural answers, adding that she was forced into reactive patterns as Bartunkova dictated tempo across both wings. “I felt like it was her match and I didn’t know what to do. I think when I did a couple of approaches to the net during my 0-4 game, it gave me a little bit of confidence that maybe I can show her that I still have something left. I was trying to stay in the game.”
The shift began to emerge as Sabalenka increased first-strike aggression, particularly on the forehand wing, which started to push Bartunkova deeper behind the baseline and reduce her ability to step inside the court.
“I tried to find the tiger inside me” — comeback and semifinal outlook
As the match progressed, Sabalenka gradually stabilised her service games and began to extend rallies on more neutral terms. A key break in the eighth game of the second set, followed by a five-game run, helped her regain control before eventually forcing a tiebreak. “I tried to find the rhythm,” the 4-time Grand Slam champion said. “I honestly just think I was lucky, it was a lucky match.”
The deciding set saw Sabalenka carry momentum from the second-set turnaround, with improved first-serve efficiency and heavier forehands forcing Bartunkova into more defensive positions. “Every ball I would give her she would smack it with a winner. I was really not sure what to do, but I guess I just tried to find this tiger inside of me and fight for this match.”
Beyond the result, Sabalenka also offered praise for Bartunkova’s performance level, identifying the Czech as a future presence on the tour based on the quality of her ball striking and ability to sustain pressure across extended phases.
“Oh my god, what a player, what an incredible young girl and future superstar,” she said. “I was thinking: ‘Woah, that’s how it feels to play against me!’”
Sabalenka now moves into a semifinal against Jessica Pegula, setting up a top-seeded clash with both players having required high-intensity wins to reach the final four in Berlin.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
