Dubai, Feb 21:
Top seed Simona Halep had to come from behind for a second straight day, overhauling Aryna Sabalenka 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 to reach the Dubai Championships semi-finals.
Halep, who had saved a match point in knocking out Ons Jabeur 24 hours earlier, said she had to pick up her pace after losing the first set.
“Everything was a little bit fast, too powerful. When I got the rhythm, it was much easier for me to feel the game,” said the world number two on Thursday.
“I played quicker in the second and third set. She didn’t have time to hit the ball. I think that was the key of the match.
“It’s good to have tough matches. I’m here to give everything I have to win every match I play. I’m happy with these matches.”
The Romanian star will face Jennifer Brady on Friday for a place in the final.
US qualifier Brady, who beat third seed Elina Svitolina in the first round, booked her last-four spot by dispatching ninth seed Garbine Muguruza, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-4.
Elena Rybakina claimed a season-leading 18th victory with a 7-6 (7/1) 6-3 win over second seed Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic.
The Kazakh winner has been on a tear in 2020, winning the Hobart trophy and playing finals in Shenzhen and last weekend in St Petersburg. (Agencies)
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