Marie Bouzkova achieved a stunning upset by defeating top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka with a score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 on Saturday night in the Mubadala Citi DC Open semi-finals. The match was interrupted for over three hours due to lightning and rain, but Bouzkova managed to seize control upon resuming play, breaking Sabalenka’s serve early in the third set. She ultimately closed out the match without dropping a game, solidifying her spot in the WTA 500 final.
Sabalenka was making her return to competitive tennis after withdrawing from Wimbledon due to a shoulder injury. Bouzkova’s next challenge will be against Spain’s Paula Badosa, who defeated Caroline Dolehide of the United States in the other semi-final with a score of 6-3, 6-3.
In terms of history, Bouzkova previously claimed her only title in Prague in 2002. Once ranked as high as No. 2, Badosa has faced challenges after a back injury sidelined her for six months, causing her rankings to drop to 62nd.
On the men’s side, fourth-seeded Sebastian Korda will take on 10th-seeded Flavio Cobolli in a quest for their first ATP Tour title. Korda triumphed over fifth-seeded Frances Tiafoe in an all-American showdown, winning 6-4, 6-4, while Cobolli secured his place in the final after overcoming second-seeded Ben Shelton with a score of 4-6, 7-5, 6-3.
Korda is aiming to become the first American champion at the Washington event since Andy Roddick in 2007. As anticipation builds for the finals, tennis fans are eager for the thrilling matches ahead.
