Context:

Global number one Aryna Sabalenka was eliminated in Berlin after a 6-4, 6-7(4-7), 6-0 loss to Jessica Pegula in the semifinal, marking another decisive-set collapse for Sabalenka. Pegula, who had struggled against Sabalenka recently, rode flat hitting and strong serving to overturn a second-set tie-break and reach the final. Sabalenka’s erratic serving and aggression, including a high number of unforced errors, undermined her. The result sets Pegula up to face either Linda Noskova or Alexandra Eala, while Sabalenka pivots toward Wimbledon with mixed grass-court form and only one win over a top-10 grass player this year.

Dive Deeper:

• Pegula defeated Sabalenka 6-4 in the first set, then a 6-7(4-7) in a tight second set before dominating the decider 6-0 to advance to the Berlin Open final.

• Sabalenka’s performance featured 41 unforced errors and nine double faults, contributing to a difficult match that saw the top seed struggle to settle.

• A rain delay of about an hour interrupted play after Pegula led 3-1 in the second set, before Sabalenka rallied to force a deciding set by winning six of the next seven points.

• Pegula attributed her success to clean winners and steadfast return of serve, noting she refrained from emotional displays and focused on being herself.

• Sabalenka’s drop in momentum continues a pattern of disappointing deciding-set results, with recent similar issues in other majors and a limited record against top grass players this year.

• Pegula will face either Czech Linda Noskova or Alexandra Eala of the Philippines in Sunday’s final, continuing her bid for a title after a recent stretch of results.

• The narrative around Sabalenka positions Wimbledon as a key upcoming hurdle, where she has yet to beat a top-10 grass player this season despite remaining a Wimbledon favorite.