Sabalenka claws past Siegemund to reach semi-finals

Sabalenka has reached the final of the past three majors

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World number one Aryna Sabalenka narrowly avoided a seismic shock as she fought back to beat Laura Siegemund and claw her way into the Wimbledon semifinals.

Title favourite Sabalenka had to twice come back from a break down in the deciding set to beat the 37-year-old German 4-6 6-2 6-4.

Sabalenka has reached the final of the past three majors and, with most of her rivals falling in the first week of SW19, she has an incredible chance of reaching Saturday's showpiece.

But few would have predicted the scare that Siegemund - who had previously never gone beyond the second round in singles here - came within touching distance of completing.

World number 104 Siegemund, more noted for her doubles prowess, drove Sabalenka to distraction with her slices, brilliant returning and slow pace of play.

It took all of Sabalenka's grit and determination to hang in and eventually advance after two hours and 54 minutes.