Context:

Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1-ranked tennis player, narrowly avoided an upset by defeating Laura Siegemund in a challenging three-set match at the Wimbledon quarterfinals. Sabalenka lost the first set to Siegemund, who employed an unorthodox playing style that disrupted Sabalenka's power game. Despite the setback, Sabalenka managed to regain her composure and won the final two sets, showcasing her resilience and adaptability. This victory marks Sabalenka's third advancement to the Wimbledon semifinals, a tournament where she has yet to reach the final. Sabalenka is set to face American Amanda Anisimova in the upcoming semifinals, aiming to achieve her first final at Wimbledon, the only Grand Slam she hasn't reached the finals in yet.

Dive Deeper:

• Aryna Sabalenka battled through a tough match against Laura Siegemund, winning 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, to secure her place in the Wimbledon semifinals. Sabalenka's performance came under pressure as she was twice down a break in the final set before surging to victory.

• Laura Siegemund, ranked No. 104 and the oldest player in the quarterfinals, challenged Sabalenka with her unique style, varying the depth, speed, and spin of her shots, which initially flustered the world No. 1 player.

• After losing the first set, Sabalenka expressed her concerns to her team, fearing an early exit, but managed to adjust her strategy to counter Siegemund's tactics, demonstrating her mental fortitude.

• Sabalenka's win marks her third appearance in the Wimbledon semifinals, though she has never progressed to the tournament's final, having previously lost in the 2021 and 2023 semifinals.

• While Sabalenka has achieved Grand Slam success by winning the Australian Open twice and the U.S. Open once, Wimbledon remains the only Grand Slam where she hasn't reached the finals, an achievement she aims to secure against Amanda Anisimova in the upcoming match.