World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka has survived a massive scare before booking her spot in the semi-finals of the Australian Open on Tuesday night.
Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion, looked on track for another straight-sets victory when she dominated the first set against Russian 27th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
But the match turned on its head in the second set as Pavlyuchenkova hit back and suddenly looked the likely winner when she twice went up a break in the third set.
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However, the top seed regrouped to win the final three games and seal the 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 victory.
“I was just praying today. Just praying to put the ball back in these tough conditions, we were both just trying to put the ball back,” Sabalenka said after the match.
“It was very difficult to play and she played amazing tennis. Very aggressive and I am super happy I was able to somehow magically win this match.
“Of course, guys, thank you so much for the atmosphere.”
Aryna Sabalenka beat a spirited Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in three sets to advance in the Open. Credit: AAP She will play 11th-seeded Paula Badosa in the semi-finals after the former world No.2 sent Coco Gauff packing 7-5, 6-4.
Sabalenka is bidding to become the first woman since Martina Hingis (1997-1999) to win three titles on the spin.
Sabalenka took 31 minutes to wrap up the first set, letting out a “let’s go” and fist pumping after breaking Pavlyuchenkova to seal it.
But Pavlyuchenkova, 33, wouldn’t lie down.
Instead she broke the Belarusian and went toe-to-toe with Sabalenka from the baseline in the second set.
As the set progressed, the Russian just went from strength to strength, at times leaving Sabalenka stunned with brutally powerful winners.
Pavlyuchenkova raced to a double break and 4-1 lead as Sabalenka cut an increasingly frustrated figure.
The pair again traded breaks and Pavlyuchenkova earned a 5-2 lead and chance to serve for the second set.
She claimed the set with aplomb and broke Sabalenka at the start of the deciding set.
The pair twice traded breaks before Sabalenka seized control.
The Belarusian broke Pavlyuchenkova at 4-3 then rediscovered her ruthless edge to serve out the match.
– With AAP