Sabalenka overcomes Sherif for Madrid Open semi-final

Aryna Sabalenka didn't start off well allowing Mayar Sherif to take the opening set but she came back to win in three sets 2-6 6-2 6-1 and secure the semi-final.

Sabalenka is once again finding a very good level in Madrid as she generally plays really well here. Clay is not her best surface but Madrid plays into her strengths and she showed it today. The start wasn't very good as she ran into an inspired effort by Sherif who is a really good clay player. The Egyptian took the first set 6-2 thanks to great play and a lacklustre showing by Sabalenka.

The second set was much better by Sabalenka despite a shaky start that saw her lose her serve twice in the first four games. She was able to put that behind her and then completely take over with her powerful groundstrokes which created a lot of havoc in the match. She won 6-2 to take the set to a decider and it was easy.

The final set was played exceptionally well by Sabalenka but Sherif also greatly helped. She really didn't play that well and there were a lot of bad misses by her. In any case, Sabalenka finished it off 6-1 to secure another semi-final this year and another on in Madrid. She's looking really solid so far.