Sabalenka directly points to the current world No. 1 young tennis talent

The current top-ranked women's tennis player has just gone through a very arduous quarterfinal match at the 2026 Berlin Open.

Aryna Sabalenka demonstrated the composure of the world's top player by overcoming a tough challenge from Nikola Bartunkova with a score of 2-6, 7-6, 6-4 to secure a spot in the semifinals the 2026 Berlin Open. Despite being pushed into a disadvantaged position for most of the match, the Belarusian star managed to wake up in time and stage an impressive comeback

Entering the quarterfinal as the top favorite for the title, Sabalenka unexpectedly faced immense difficulties against Bartunkova's explosive playing style. The young Czech talent repeatedly unleashed powerful shots from the baseline, leaving the world No. 1 almost unable to execute her usual game plan.

Bartunkova quickly won the first set 6-2 and took a 2-0 lead in the second set. At the brink of defeat, Sabalenka showed the class of a champion by adjusting her tactics, increasing her net approaches, and patiently bringing the match back to an even level.

After winning the second set in a tense tie-break, the Belarusian player maintained her momentum to complete the comeback in the deciding set, thereby booking her place in the semifinals where she will face Jessica Pegula.

"I think Nikola played a fantastic match. There were moments when I truly didn't know what to do against her shots. I felt like this match belonged to Nikola, and I was just trying to hang in there and find my rhythm.", Sabalenka shared.

The Belarusian even humorously compared Bartunkova to herself in the early years of her career.

"She is an incredible talent and will definitely become a big star in the future. At times, I thought this must be what it feels like to play against myself. I was very frustrated because almost every shot she made could be turned into a winner.", the current world No. 1 said.