gg2
Sara Bejlek news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Sara Bejlek upset World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 7-6, 6-4 at Cincinnati Open. The 20-year-old Czech now faces Coco Gauff in her first WTA 1000 semifinal.
Background
Sara Bejlek, a 20-year-old Czech player ranked 35th, has been having a breakout season, winning the Abu Dhabi Open in February as a qualifier. At the Cincinnati Open, she has beaten three Grand Slam champions—Barbora Krejcikova, Aryna Sabalenka, and Madison Keys—to reach her first WTA 1000 semifinal. Her run has been marked by dramatic comebacks, including coming from 5-1 down in a tiebreak against Sabalenka.
How it unfolded
- Aug 19, 2026Bejlek defeats World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(7), 6-4 in the fourth round, coming from 5-1 down in the first-set tiebreak.
- Aug 21, 2026Bejlek beats Madison Keys 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(5) in the quarterfinals, coming from a set down and 4-2 down in the final tiebreak.
- Aug 22, 2026Bejlek is scheduled to face Coco Gauff in the semifinals, her first WTA 1000 semifinal.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- WTA reports Bejlek's 'great escapes' and her belief as key to her wins.
- Analysts
- Commentators note Sabalenka's poor form and lack of confidence, with her No. 1 ranking under threat.
- Public
- Bejlek thanked fans, saying 'you were amazing, and you helped me a lot.'