The stage is set in Berlin: Elena Rybakina's gritty win leads to major clash with Aryna Sabalenka

Elena Rybakina secured another victory on grass courts and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Berlin Ladies Open. The former Wimbledon champion overcame Czech Katerina Siniakova by 6-4, 7-6(5) and continues to gain confidence in this swing. She is now preparing to face World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, as she draws closer to a potential return to the top-10.

The Kazakh overcame a one-break disadvantage in both sets, ensuring her return for the second consecutive year to the quarterfinals in Berlin. With a first-serve effectiveness of over 75%, Rybakina shows great form on the surface that suits her best.

Siniakova's ranking of World No. 76 undoubtedly does not reflect how dangerous she can be on grass courts. The Czech reached the final in Bad Homburg in 2021 and then won the title at the same tournament in 2023. Initially, she showed good serving effectiveness, even winning her service games more easily than her opponent. Parity was maintained until 2-2, at which point Siniakova secured the first break of the match to take the lead. With a good service game – and saving the first break point against her – Siniakova extended her lead to 4-1, putting Rybakina in trouble.

Then began a good run of points for Rybakina, who won 12 of the next 13 points, and this time she took the lead. Showing greater effectiveness in the important moments, she won 4 games in a row – converting 2/2 break points – and took the set 6-4, winning 67% of points on her serve.

In the second set, Siniakova took an immediate break on her first opportunity and then, on her serve, overcame a couple of break points against her to go up 2-0. This time, the Czech looked more confident with her serve and maintained the lead until 3-1, at which point Rybakina's reaction would come.

The former World No. 3 broke back on her first chance and managed to level the score at 3-3. Neither player was willing to concede new break opportunities, and Rybakina managed to take a 5-4 lead, putting the pressure on Siniakova's serve. The final part of the set saw Siniakova solid on serve and Rybakina saving three break points at 5-5. Everything came down to a tie-break, where neither player was particularly effective on serve, but Rybakina ultimately secured the set after four mini-breaks to her opponent's three: 6-4, 7-6(5).

Rybakina's next challenge will be against World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, with whom she has a head-to-head record of 4-6. Their last encounter was at the WTA Finals 2024, with a victory for the Kazakh. This time on grass courts, Sabalenka's great form makes her the favorite, though Rybakina, when inspired on the surface, can undoubtedly defeat any opponent.