Sabalenka survives Siegemund’s spell to Reach Wimbledon semis

LONDON: Aryna Sabalenka was given a taste of tennis from a bygone era on Tuesday as she battled past 37-year-old Laura Siegemund in a thrilling Centre Court showdown to book her spot in the Wimbledon semi-finals.

In a match that stretched nearly three hours, the top seed and world number one had to dig deep, overcoming the German veteran’s dazzling display of slice, drop shots, and tactical artistry for a hard-fought 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 victory.

Siegemund, ranked 104th, turned back the clock with a masterclass in touch and guile, neutralizing Sabalenka’s raw power for long stretches. But the Belarusian gradually imposed her 21st-century power game, hitting through the crafty resistance and finding belief just in time to prevail.

With the win, Sabalenka sets up a semi-final clash against American Amanda Anisimova, the 13th seed, as she eyes a place in her first Wimbledon final.