Aryna Sabalenka avoided creating another Wimbledon upset with a narrow three-set victory over unseeded Laura Siegemund to book her place in the semi-finals.
Aryna Sabalenka avoided creating another Wimbledon upset with a narrow three-set victory over unseeded Laura Siegemund to book her place in the semi-finals.
The Championships have been punctuated by upsets, especially on the women’s side of the draw with all the top-five seeds, aside from Sabalenka, exiting early.
Sabalenka came close to an upset of her own here on Centre Court as she grew increasingly frustrated with Siegemund’s tactics, and herself, during the near three-hour contest.
Despite securing a 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 victory against the German, the match itself was far from straightforward from No 1-seed Sabalenka who had knocked out home favourite Emma Raducanu in front of a huge TV audience on Friday evening.
Sabalenka started well with deft drop-shots, but it wasn’t long before every point became punctuated by shrieks and yells that only got louder as Siegemund’s time-wasting antics took their toll.
Siegemund, who has been known for changing her racket in the middle of games as well as tactical bathroom breaks, forced Sabalenka to dig deeper than she had all tournament. The first set was the first one conceded by Sabalenka during the Championships.
Siegemund, who admits to being “annoying” on court, did her best to get under the skin of her opponent, with plenty of slices to slow down the points as well as maximising time between games, sitting on her chair with a towel over her head during the breaks.
For Sabalenka, who admitted in her on-court interview, “I didn’t want her to see that I was annoyed or anything by her, even if I was a little,” it was a gruelling contest that she will hope did not take too much out of her ahead of the semi-finals.
It was not a pretty contest by any stretch, but both players pushed each other to the end. Annabel Croft said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “I reckon that is one of the most uncomfortable, most painful matches Sabalenka has ever had to play in her life.”
04:56 PM BST
Sabalenka on Siegemund’s style
It is a smart game. She is really making everyone work against her, you know you have to work for every point.
It doesn’t matter if you are a big hitter, big server, you have to work, you have to run and to earn the victory. I had to make sure I didn’t show I was annoyed by her, even if I was slightly, I didn’t want to give her that energy.
04:51 PM BST
Sabalenka reacts
That was a real test. I need some time to cool down and recover after this.
She pushed me so much. After the first set I was looking at my box and thinking, ‘book the tickets, we are about to leave this beautiful place’. She played an incredible tournament and match. I’m just super happy with the match and win.
The atmosphere was another level. Thank you guys for your support, you don’t understand how much you helped me to stay in the game and enjoy playing in front of you all.
04:46 PM BST
Sabalenka battles through
Two hours and 54 minutes is how long it took for the world No 1 to book her place in the last four. I never saw that performance coming.
Completely flustered and bewildered by Siegemund’s tennis. But if winning ugly gets her to the final, she won’t care.
04:37 PM BST
Watch: How Sabalenka reached the semi-finals
Comeback complete 🙌
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 8, 2025
World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka defeats Laura Siegemund 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 to reach her third #Wimbledon semi-final. pic.twitter.com/VBfLu53Evz
04:33 PM BST
Sabalenka 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 Siegemund*
Siegemund drop shot, Sabalenka sprints up to it and whips a forehand to the baseline and Siegemund goes long with a forehand, 0-15.
Tight backhand into the net from Siegemund, 0-30. Siegemund still alive when Sabalenka nets a forehand return, 15-30. Siegemund slices a backhand long, two match points.
Siegemund drop shot winner to save the first break point. 84mph first serve by Siegemund, Sabalenka gets after it, Siegemund is on the run and puts up a defensive lob which Sabalenka slams away for a winner.
GAME SET MATCH SABALENKA!!!
04:27 PM BST
Agree or disagree?
Wish an umpire would have the gumption to call hindrance against Sabalenka. Screaming like a banshee towards Siegemund even when they are just exchanging delicate backhand slices.
— Oliver Brown (@oliverbrown_tel) July 8, 2025
04:26 PM BST
Sabalenka* 4-6, 6-2, 5-4 Siegemund
This has been one of the strangest matches I’ve ever seen. But I think with Sabalenka holding serve to 15 here, she will go on to break Siegemund again and complete victory.
Let’s find out...
04:24 PM BST
Sabalenka 4-6, 6-2, 4-4 Siegemund*
The game moves to 30-30 and the next point could be pivotal. Siegemund slices a forehand into Sabalenka’s forehand and she nets. She has struggled badly with that shot today.
Siegemund slices a forehand long, to deuce we go!
Shake of the fist from Sabalenka as she earns a break point when Siegemund hits a backhand into the net. Sabalenka puts up a defensive lob, Siegemund overhead smash, Sabalenka backhand into the net, deuce.
Siegemund slices another forehand long, break point. Another sliced forehand long by Siegemund and Sabalenka breaks.
04:14 PM BST
Sabalenka* 4-6, 6-2, 3-4 Siegemund
Latest bad volley from Sabalenka puts her in a 0-30 hole. Siegemund gets a look at passing Sabalenka but pushes her backhand wide of the tramlines.
Sabalenka pulls it back to 30-30 then nets a mid-court backhand, break point Siegemund. Saved by Sabalenka with an unreturned second serve.
32nd unforced error from Sabalenka as she sends a forehand well long, break point. Sabalenka gets Siegemund on the run, the German makes Sabalenka hit an extra ball and the Belarusian nets a backhand. Terrible shot but Siegemund won’t care.
Siegemund breaks.
04:07 PM BST
Sabalenka 4-6, 6-2, 3-3 Siegemund*
Deep breaths at the back of the court for Siegemund after a double fault makes it 30-30. That didn’t help her because a backhand into the tramlines makes it 30-40. Deep groundstrokes from Sabalenka puts Siegemund on the back foot and she eventually succumbs with a forehand long.
Sabalenka breaks.
03:59 PM BST
Sabalenka* 4-6, 6-2, 2-3 Siegemund
Sabalenka forehand wide. She angrily whacks her racket against net. Frustrations are boiling over. She gets lucky though when Siegemund inexplicably sends a backhand wide, 30-15. Mark that as the turning point if Sabalenka wins this match.
Siegemund slices a forehand return long and Sabalenka survives.
03:56 PM BST
Sabalenka 4-6, 6-2, 1-3 Siegemund*
Shocking miss on the forehand side by Sabalenka, 40-30. She collapses to the turf and almost begs to a higher power for help.
Siegemund leaves the door open with a forehand error but slams the door shut her first serve down the T is sent long by Sabalenka.
03:50 PM BST
Sabalenka* 4-6, 6-2, 1-2 Siegemund
Awful forehand volley by Sabalenka to start the game. She opts to change her racket because of course her equipment is to blame.
Siegemund slice hits the baseline and Sabalenka sends a forehand wide, 0-30. Siegemund drop shot, Sabalenka sprints up to it and tries a flicked forehand but nets.
Great rally. Both players scrambling. Sabalenka hits a overhead smash, Siegemund makes her it another volley, the ball sits up for Siegemund, who directs a forehand down the line for a winner.
Siegemund breaks.
03:45 PM BST
Sabalenka 4-6, 6-2, 1-1 Siegemund*
Siegemund looks to be in control at 40-0 but Sabalenka pegs her back to 40-30. It would be a big blow to the German if she can’t hold here.
Alas no. Siegemund gets a huge slice of fortune when her forehand slice clips the net cord and the ball drops dead on Sabalenka’s side of the court.
03:40 PM BST
Final set: Sabalenka* 4-6, 6-2, 1-0 Siegemund
Long delay to the start of the third set after Siegemund left the court. At least eight minutes. Perhaps a bit of gamesmanship there from the German.
Sabalenka keeps her head though and holds to love quickly.
03:29 PM BST
Sabalenka 4-6, 6-2 Siegemund*
Great rally. Siegemund drop shot, Sabalenka drop shot, lob by Siegemund, Sabalenka backhand down the line, she then gets a shot ball and finishes with a forehand winner, 15-30.
77mph second serve is not going to cut it for Siegemund and Sabalenka duly punishes it. Siegemund slices a backhand into the net, set point Sabalenka.
Frustration for Sabalenka as she nets a forehand. Siegemund forehand into the tramlines hands Sabalenka another break chance and this time she gets it when Siegemund nets a backhand.
03:18 PM BST
Sabalenka* 4-6, 5-2 Siegemund
Just when you might have thought Sabalenka might stamp her authority on the match, he gives up another break point with a wild forehand long. Great hustle from the Belarusian to stay in the rally and she saves the break point with an overhead winner, deuce.
Sabalenka survives after a forehand down the line is too hot for Siegemund.
03:12 PM BST
Sabalenka 4-6, 4-2 Siegemund*
Siegemund looked in control at 40-0 but a couple of errors and a Sabalenka volley winner means it is deuce. Deep sliced backhand by Sabalenka and Siegemund nets a forehand. A taste of her own medicine.
Break point Sabalenka. Sabalenka takes the initiative, pulling Siegemund across the baseline before the German eventually goes long with a backhand.
Sabalenka breaks.
03:02 PM BST
Sabalenka* 4-6, 3-2 Siegemund
Sabalenka looks set for a comfortable hold at 40-0 but Siegemund pegs her back to 40-30 with a forehand winner and then brings up a break point when she rushes Sabalenka, who flicks a forehand wide.
Sabalenka comes into the net after a forehand down the line and finishes with a drive forehand and she comes through when Siegemund nets a backhand.
02:58 PM BST
Sabalenka 4-6, 2-2 Siegemund*
Chopped return by Sabalenka, Siegemund races forward and slaps a forehand away, slipping in the process. But gets up quickly as she completes another hold.
02:54 PM BST
Sabalenka* 4-6, 2-1 Siegemund
Back comes Siegemund, who redirects Sabalenka’s fierce backhand with a backhand down the line winner, 0-30. Sliced return by Siegemund, Sabalenka gets there but can’t get the ball over the net, two break points.
Sabalenka saves both to her immense relief. Backhand long from Sabalenka and Siegemund has another break chance.
Sabalenka forehand long and Siegemund breaks back. Richard E Grant loves it in the Royal Box.
02:48 PM BST
Sabalenka 4-6, 2-0 Siegemund*
Third double fault for Siegemund opens the door for Sabalenka at 0-30. Backhand long from Siegemund brings up two break points.
Siegemund slices a backhand, Sabalenka replies with her own drop shot and it is too much for Siegemund who can’t get there.
Sabalenka breaks.
02:44 PM BST
Second set: Sabalenka* 4-6, 1-0 Siegemund
Sabalenka starts the set with a double fault and looks at her racket like she wants to destroy into little bits. Bashing rackets on grass court is very much frowned upon. The Belarusian’s mood is brightened by a hold to 30 when Siegemund misses with a backhand.
02:38 PM BST
‘Siegemund is short of fans on tour’
Siegemund might have her fans on Centre Court, with the British public known for supporting the underdog, particularly when it comes to big matches, but she is short of fans on tour.
Her time-wasting tactics have included changing her racket in the middle of the game, and she is notorious for how long her matches last.
When Katie Boulter beat her in the Billie Jean King Cup finals at the end of last year she spoke about wanting to end rallies quickly and not get drawn into a long match, but if Sabalenka is going to extend her Wimbledon run, that’s exactly what she will have to do.
02:36 PM BST
Sabalenka 4-6 Siegemund*
Sabalenka will fancy herself to break Siegemund again with the momentum she’s building. Huge scream from Sabalenka as she nets a backhand open the game. Sabalenka forehand return error, brings up three set points.
Sabalenka saves the first. But Siegemund snags the opening set when Sabalenka blasts a forehand return into the net.
02:31 PM BST
Sabalenka* 4-5 Siegemund
From 30-0 down, Siegemund levels at 30-all. 113mph first serve is too hot for Siegemund, 40-30. Siegemund backhand return into the net and Sabalenka escapes.
02:26 PM BST
Sabalenka 3-5 Siegemund*
A double fault and forehand long by Siegemund gives Sabalenka a look at breaking back. Second double fault of the game and Sabalenka has three break points.
Siegemund’s first serve has deserted her here. She manages to save the first break point. But not the second as Sabalenka takes the initiative from the return, Siegemund is forced onto the back foot and her lob is long.
Sabalenka breaks back.
02:21 PM BST
Sabalenka* 2-5 Siegemund
Sabalenka is getting enjoy when she’s able to pull Siegemund across the baseline with her heavy groundstrokes. But Siegemund picks her off at the net with a forehand winner, 30-30.
Siegemund gets a look at a backhand pass but just misses the sideline. Another Sabalenka forehand flies long and it’s deuce.
Glorious feel at the net from Siegemund as she hits a drop volley winner, break point. Good length on the return from Siegemund and Sabalenka sends a wild backhand long.
Siegemund breaks again and will serve for the set.
The silence on court during points is punctuated by Sabalenka’s yells [or shrieks depending on how you choose to describe the sound].
There is no way it cannot at least be slightly distracting for Siegemund, who is almost mute in comparison, aside from tapping her racket on her foot while waiting to receive.
02:15 PM BST
Sabalenka 2-4 Siegemund*
Sabalenka appears to be slowly getting to grips with Siegemund’s unique style as she takes the game to 30-all. But she leaps into the air after netting a forehand return, 40-30. Siegemund forehand unforced error makes it deuce.
But the German comes through after back-to-back backhand errors from Sabalenka.
02:05 PM BST
Sabalenka* 2-3 Siegemund
Sabalenka finds herself in trouble again at 0-30 but gets ahead at 40-30. A double fault keeps Siegemund in the game.
A drop shot of her own from Sabalenka puts her ahead again before finishing with a backhand volley winner.
01:58 PM BST
Sabalenka 1-3 Siegemund*
Sabalenka gets to 0-30 on the Siegemund serve again. Then moves to 0-40 with drop shot winner. Huge return down the line by Sabalenka, Siegemund puts up a defensive lob but Sabalenka finishes easily with a forehand winner to get one of the breaks back.
01:55 PM BST
Sabalenka* 0-3 Siegemund
Sabalenka is all over the place at the moment. Siegemund is completely bamboozling her and brings up two break points at 15-40.
Sabalenka second serve, Siegemund leans into it and sends a cross-court backhand return past the Belarusian for a winner.
Siegemund breaks and is playing some inspired tennis.
The crowd, which started off a bit subdued after lunch has been woken by the prospect of an upset here on Centre Court.
Siegemund has stormed into a 3-0 lead in the opening set, as all eyes turn to Sabalenka to see what she can do here.
01:51 PM BST
Sabalenka 0-2 Siegemund*
Siegemund tries a forehand drop shot but nets, 15-30. A slight reprieve as Sabalenka goes long with a forehand, 30-all.
Sabalenka cross court return, Siegemund under pressure mis-hits a forehand long, break point. Frustration for Sabalenka as she nets a forehand.
And Siegemund survives when Sabalenka nets another forehand. The German is very deliberately taking all her time on serve and refusing to be hurried.
01:46 PM BST
First set: Aryna Sabalenka* 0-1 Laura Siegemund (*denotes server)
A real contrast of styles. Sabalenka is a pure ball-basher. While Siegemund is all about slice and angles. Surely Sabalenka will overwhelm her?
Perhaps not on the evidence of the first game as Siegemund takes Sabalenka to deuce with her low shots causing problems for the world No 1.
Sabalenka saves a break point for Siegemund but concedes another after a forehand error. Sabalenka second serve, Siegemund takes it early with a backhand return and it’s a cross-court winner.
Siegemund breaks. Wow.
01:38 PM BST
Here we go!
Yesterday’s mind weather has been replaced by sunny skies as Sabalenka and Siegemund walk out onto Centre Court.
We nearly saw a shock result last night in the Jannik Sinner vs Grigor Dimitrov match but I don’t expect an upset today.
Sabalenka vs Siegemund on Centre Court...
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 8, 2025
It's time for the first ladies' singles quarter-final 💜#Wimbledonpic.twitter.com/DuILTolFRP
01:27 PM BST
Big-name actors in the Royal Box
After Roger Federer graced the fancy seats yesterday, today we have two Oscar-winning actors in town:
- Jodie Foster
- Richard E Grant
- Sir Ian McKellen
- Sir Mark Rylance
- David Gower
- Rachael Blackmore
01:18 PM BST
Can Siegemund cause another upset?
Siegemund does it in straight sets 👊
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 6, 2025
Laura Siegemund defeats Solana Sierra 6-3, 6-2 to advance to her first ever #Wimbledon quarter-finals 👏 pic.twitter.com/76WpBuTpyU
01:10 PM BST
Sign up to our Women’s Sport newsletter
01:00 PM BST
Sabalenka eyes semi-final place
Good afternoon and welcome to day nine coverage from Wimbledon as Aryna Sabalenka continues her bid to win a grand slam on grass for the first time.
The world No 1 is yet to drop a set but has been pushed in all of her matches so far, with her latest scrap seeing her overcome former doubles partner Mertens 6-4, 7-6 But Sabalenka insists she has enjoyed having to battle her way into the second week.
“Roland Garros was also quite challenging,” said Sabalenka, who has now made at least the quarter-finals on her last 11 appearances at grand slams.
“I love these challenges. I think every time you go through these tough matches, you kind of bring your game to the next level, and it helps to improve your game as well.
“I feel like, with every match I’m playing here, I’m getting better and better mentally and also physically. So I love these tough challenges. I only hope to get better and better in each round.”
Sabalenka will extend her lead at the top of the WTA rankings with every success having missed Wimbledon last year through injury and is desperate to add a fourth grand slam title to her CV after losses in the finals of the Australian Open and French Open this year.
Today, she faces the unlikely figure of Laura Siegemund, who had won only two singles matches here in her career prior to this year but made it through to the last eight with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Argentinian lucky loser Solana Sierra.
Siegemund has an unusual game based on heavy slice and attacking the net, and she insisted she will not be fazed by facing Sabalenka.
She said: “Of course I am surprised. If you would have told me I play quarter-finals here, I would have never believed it.
“On the other hand, it’s a very simple math always in tennis. You have an opponent, either you find good solutions and you execute well, you go forward, or you don’t, and you don’t go forward.
“As I said after big wins before, I have this game and this maybe boldness to take out big names. I’ve always had that, just maybe because I don’t care who is on the other side. In a positive, respectful way, I don’t care.”
Category: General Sports
