Madrid Open: Sabalenka vs Swiatek

MADRID — Defending Madrid Open champion Aryna Sabalenka produced a brilliant comeback from a set and a break down to beat Elena Rybakina and reach the final on Thursday.

The Belarusian second seed triumphed 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) and will face world number one Iga Swiatek on Saturday in a rematch of last year’s final.

The clinical Swiatek earlier eased past American Madison Keys with a comfortable 6-1, 6-3 victory.

In the men’s draw third seed Daniil Medvedev retired injured from his quarterfinal clash with Jiri Lehecka.

“It was a tough match, she’s a great player, it was incredible tennis tonight,” said Sabalenka.

Swiatek has a 6-3 record against Sabalenka but in their only match in the Spanish capital, the latter triumphed in three sets a year ago to claim the title.