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Aryna Sabalenka Stuttgart 2021
Tennis News, WTA Tennis Players

Sabalenka edges Belarusian battle to reach Montreal semi-final


Aryna Sabalenka won a battle of Belarus to deny compatriot Victoria Azarenka a return to the top 10 with a 6-2 6-4 victory in Montreal.

Two-time Grand Slam champion Azarenka was last ranked in the top 10 five years ago. The 32-year-old has reached the US Open final three times, including last year, losing all three.

The quarter-final success for Sabalenka took just over an hour, with the Belarusian hitting seven aces to take her season total to 265.

“I’m really happy with this, it was a tough match,” Sabalenka said.

“The second set was a little tricky. I’m really happy that I came back (after trailing 4-2) and won it. I’m pleased with my level today.”

Sabalenka has won three out of four meetings against Azarenka, including their most recent meeting in 2020.

“There were a few points that really made a big difference.” Azarenka said.

“I had opportunities in the first set. But she was playing much stronger in the important moments. I didn’t really quite take my chances. Compared to other players, she’s probably one of the hardest hitting.”

Sabalenka will take on fourth seed Karolina Pliskova in the last four.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.