Muchova shocks Sabalenka in China Open quarterfinals

In Beijing, Karolina Muchova triumphed over Aryna Sabalenka, ending the latter's impressive 15-match winning streak during the China Open quarterfinals. Muchova, ranked 49th, showcased her resilience by overcoming a 4-2 deficit in the final set, ultimately winning the match 7-6 (4), 2-6, 6-4. This victory marked Muchova's third consecutive win against Sabalenka, highlighting her strong performance since returning from a lengthy injury hiatus due to wrist surgery. Sabalenka, the US Open champion and top seed, had been on a remarkable run, having claimed titles in Cincinnati and the US Open earlier in the year. Despite her strong start in the second set, she could not maintain her momentum against Muchova's tenacity. The match lasted nearly three hours, showcasing the competitive spirit of both players. Muchova's victory not only advances her to the semifinals but also emphasizes her return to form after a challenging period. She is set to face either Zheng Qinwen or Mirra Andreeva in the next round, while Sabalenka will need to regroup after this unexpected defeat.