World number one Aryna Sabalenka narrowly escaped an upset to Nikola Bartunkova, winning 2-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 to reach the Berlin Open semi-finals. Sabalenka looked rattled early, falling a set and 4-0 down as the 20-year-old Czech dominated with booming returns. The top seed struggled with her serve and errors before finding her rhythm late.

This grit comes after Sabalenka's disappointing French Open quarter-final exit to Diana Shnaider. Bartunkova, currently world number 62, pushed the favorite to the limit by saving multiple break points and utilizing flat strokes. Sabalenka eventually secured the win after wasting two match points, though she spent changeovers icing a right shoulder injury during the match.

Sabalenka now faces world number four Jessica Pegula for a spot in the final. Pegula advanced after defeating Madison Keys in a tight match, winning 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (10-8). Elsewhere, Elena Rybakina withdrew from the Bad Homburg Open due to a hip issue, leaving a gap in the grass-court field.

This comeback victory provides a necessary confidence boost for Sabalenka before she heads to Wimbledon, where she reached the semi-finals last year.