In a heart-pounding quarterfinal at the 2025 Berlin Open, world number one Aryna Sabalenka pulled off a breathtaking comeback to defeat Elena Rybakina, the former Wimbledon champion, in a grueling 7-6(6), 3-6, 7-6(6) battle. Facing four match points and trailing 6-2 in the final-set tiebreak, Sabalenka’s resilience shone through as she won six consecutive points to secure her eighth semifinal of the season. Her post-match candor, admitting she “got lucky” and had “no idea” how she clinched the victory, revealed a champion’s humility and sparked admiration among fans, cementing the match as a defining moment in her grass-court campaign.
The Berlin Open, a WTA 500 event, set the stage for another chapter in the riveting Sabalenka-Rybakina rivalry, known for its power-packed rallies and high-stakes drama. Sabalenka, fresh off a bye and a 6-2, 7-6(6) win over Swiss qualifier Rebeka Masarova, faced a formidable Rybakina, who had battled past Katerina Siniakova 6-4, 7-6(5). The match was a rollercoaster, with both players showcasing their aggressive styles—Sabalenka converting 91.7% of her first-serve points and Rybakina firing 11 aces. “Elena is a great player and we’ve had a lot of tough battles,” Sabalenka said, acknowledging their history, which includes 10 clashes since 2019, with Sabalenka now leading 6-4. Their previous encounters, including Sabalenka’s 2023 Australian Open final win and Rybakina’s 2024 WTA Finals upset, added intensity to the showdown.
Rybakina dominated early, taking the second set after a tightly contested first-set tiebreak went Sabalenka’s way. In the decisive third set, the two held serve relentlessly, with Sabalenka saving two break points at 5-5 with a thunderous forehand winner. The final tiebreak was a test of nerves, with Rybakina surging to a 6-2 lead, poised to claim victory. Yet, Sabalenka’s fighting spirit prevailed. “I have no idea how I was able to win those last points. I think I just got lucky,” she admitted with a laugh, reflecting on her improbable rally. “I remember a long time ago when I was just starting, I won a lot of matches being down match points, and not so long ago I was thinking that it’s been a while since I’ve made a crazy comeback, and here I am.” Her honesty resonated with fans, who flooded social media with praise, one writing, “Aryna’s grit and humility make her a true champion.”
The victory marked Sabalenka’s 17th win in her last 19 matches, a testament to her stellar 2025 season, which includes WTA 1000 titles in Miami and Madrid and finals at the Australian and French Opens. “It’s amazing to win matches like that. I’m proud of myself for how I stayed in it. I was fighting, I was trying until the very last point,” she said, crediting the Berlin crowd’s energy, particularly one fan’s chant of “I want to see you on Saturday!” Rybakina, despite the loss, showcased her grass-court prowess, where she holds a 75% win rate, and remains a formidable contender as Wimbledon looms.
Sabalenka’s comeback wasn’t just about luck; it highlighted her mental fortitude and ability to thrive under pressure. Her 34.77% breakpoint conversion rate, higher than Rybakina’s 30.77%, proved crucial in clutch moments. The match, lasting over two hours, was a showcase of their contrasting styles—Sabalenka’s vocal intensity versus Rybakina’s cool precision. “The thing about us is we are both aggressive players,” Sabalenka noted, recalling their 2024 Madrid semifinal, where she also staged a comeback. Next, Sabalenka faces Marketa Vondrousova, who defeated Ons Jabeur 6-4, 6-1, in the semifinals, a step closer to her first Berlin title.
This victory has injected Sabalenka with confidence as she eyes a third Wimbledon crown. Her ability to save match points and turn the tide against a rival of Rybakina’s caliber signals a player peaking at the right time. As the tennis world anticipates another Sabalenka-Rybakina clash, their Berlin epic stands as a testament to their rivalry’s intensity and Sabalenka’s relentless spirit, proving that even when the odds seem insurmountable, she’s never out of the fight.
Leave a Reply