Aryna Sabalenka is into the Wimbledon semi-finals for the third time in her career.
The Belarusian was made to work for her quarter-final victory against Laura Siegemund, who took the opening set and had chances to win the second.
But 27-year-old was at her resilient best as Sabalenka overcome the German’s tricky game to win 4-6, 6-2, 6-4.
Sabalenka will take on Amanda Anisimova in the last four. On the other hand, Mirra Andreeva will take on Iga Swiatek, who both reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon for the first time.
Daniela Hantuchova and Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek approach tennis in one similar way
There is a possibility that Aryna Sabalenka could face Swiatek in the Wimbledon final.
Neither player has won this title and it would have the potential to be one of the best matches they have ever played.
Over the last three years Sabalenka and Swiatek have been the dominant forces in women’s tennis and they have won eight Grand Slams between them.
Though Sabalenka and Swiatek have somewhat different styles of play, former WTA player Daniela Hantuchova told the BBC Radio 5 Live that the similarity between the two players is their mindset on court.
“It’s really the depth on Swiatek’s shots that causes all the problems and that intensity,” the former world number five said.
“A little bit similar to Sabalenka in a way that they are maybe not playing the best and most typical grass court tennis.
“But their intensity and mental strength and their willingness to get through the matches is helping them big time.”
What is Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek’s head-to-head record?
Sabalenka and Swiatek have played one another 13 times on the WTA Tour.
The Pole has won eight of those encounters, including an epic Madrid Open final in 2024 which took place over three sets.
However, Sabalenka has won their last two meetings at the 2024 Cincinnati Open and the 2025 French Open.
Sabalenka became the first person since 2021 to defeat Swiatek at the clay court Grand Slam, and it has now been over a year since Swiatek lifted a trophy.
It remains to be seen if that can change at Wimbledon this year, or if Sabalenka can win her first major away from hard courts.
