Muchova ends Sabalenka’s 15-match win streak at China Open
BEIJING: Karolina Muchova stunned world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-finals of the China Open, ending Sabalenka’s 15-match winning streak with a hard-fought 7-6(5), 2-6, 6-4 victory. This marked the third consecutive victory for the Czech player over Sabalenka, showcasing her ability to rise to the occasion against the three-time Grand Slam winner.
The match began with Sabalenka on the verge of winning the first set, but Muchova saved two set points to force a tiebreak, which she clinched. Sabalenka responded strongly in the second set, dominating to take it 6-2. In the decider, Sabalenka led 4-2, but Muchova fought back, winning long rallies and breaking Sabalenka twice to secure the upset.
Muchova will face China’s Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen in the semi-finals, after Zheng overcame Mirra Andreeva 5-7, 6-0, 6-4. The other semi-final will see Coco Gauff take on Paula Badosa.