Sabalenka Stages Comeback Win to Reach Berlin Open Semi-finals

Aryna Sabalenka says she now knows "how it feels to play against me" as she claimed a much-needed comeback win over Nikola Bartunkova to reach the Berlin Open semi-finals.

World number one Sabalenka found herself a set and 4-0 down after being overpowered in the early stages by talented Czech Bartunkova.

The Belarusian was error-prone, irritable and anonymous on serve in a performance reminiscent of her surprise French Open quarter-final loss.

However, Sabalenka steadied herself and refound her rhythm to come through 2-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-4.

All four of Sabalenka's Grand Slam singles titles have come on hard courts, and she has had a number of near misses at both SW19 and Roland Garros.

The 28-year-old was the favourite in Paris after a string of early exits but her loss to Diana Shnaider from 6-3 4-1 up in the last eight had some questioning her resilience.

But this sort of victory - fighting back from a seemingly hopeless position - will give Sabalenka confidence before Wimbledon, where she reached the semi-finals last year.

"I did not know what to do. I was thinking woah, that's how it feels to play against me," Sabalenka said.

"Any ball I would give her she would smack it for a winner. What a player - a future superstar for sure.

"I just tried to bring this little tiger inside of me and fight for this match."

Sabalenka will face world number four Jessica Pegula for a place in the final after the American beat good friend Madison Keys 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (10-8).