ISLAMABAD: Aryna Sabalenka battled through challenging conditions to reach the Berlin Open quarter-finals, while French Open champion Coco Gauff suffered a shock exit at the hands of Chinese qualifier Wang Xinyu in a dramatic day of WTA action.
The Belarusian star completed a suspended match against Rebeka Masarova, while Wang’s impressive victory sent ripples through the Wimbledon warm-up event.
Sabalenka Overcomes Weather Disruption
The world number two had led 6-2 when Wednesday’s match was halted due to slippery court conditions – a decision Sabalenka vocally disputed.
Upon resumption, the Belarusian dropped serve early but rallied from 4-2 down in the second set before clinching a tense tiebreak 7-6(6).
Sabalenka squandered two match points before capitalizing on a Masarova error to set up a blockbuster quarter-final against Elena Rybakina.
Gauff’s Grass Campaign Stumbles
Fresh from her Roland Garros triumph, Coco Gauff looked uncomfortable on grass throughout her 6-3, 6-3 loss to world number 42 Wang.
The American’s 10 double faults and 28 unforced errors proved costly against the Chinese qualifier’s consistent baseline game.
Wang’s victory – her first over a top-5 opponent – earns her a last-eight clash with Spain’s Paula Badosa as she continues her dream run.
In other results, Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova survived a three-set battle against Diana Shnaider to set up a tantalizing quarter-final against Ons Jabeur.
