Sara Bejlek, ranked 35th in the world and just 20 years old, stunned Madison Keys, the 24th-ranked player, with a comeback victory of 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) in the quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 event in Cincinnati. After the match, Bejlek shared that her source of inspiration has always been Rafael Nadal.
This victory adds to a remarkable tournament for Bejlek, who previously defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the round of 16. Against Keys, Bejlek rallied from a set and a break down, showcasing her determination and skill on hard courts, despite being labeled primarily as a clay court player.
At one point in the decisive set, Bejlek led 4-1 before Keys came back to force a tie-break. The left-handed player, standing at just 1.63 meters, has proven her ability to compete effectively against taller opponents. She described her mental approach to the match in an interview with Tennis Channel, emphasizing positive affirmations such as, “It’s okay. Nothing happened. Let’s focus on the next point.”
Following her victory over Sabalenka, Bejlek felt a mix of joy and focus for her next match, stating, “I told myself, ‘It’s a new day. Anything can happen, let’s concentrate on what’s ahead.'” In discussing her influences, Bejlek immediately cited Nadal as a key figure in her career. “Rafa has been a legend who inspired me greatly. I watched his matches when I was young,” she noted, expressing her appreciation for sports beyond tennis, including music and food.
In her personal time, Bejlek enjoys the company of her three dogs, mentioning their unique personalities and how they bring her joy, especially on tough days. She reflected, “They always cheer me up, regardless of everything else going on.”
This year marked the pinnacle of Bejlek’s career thus far, as she secured the title at the WTA 500 tournament in Abu Dhabi in February after coming through qualifying rounds, defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova, then ranked 11th in the world, with a score of 7-6 (5), 6-1 in the final.
Sara Bejlek set to face Coco Gauff in semifinals
Bejlek’s next challenge will be Coco Gauff, the fourth-ranked player in the world, who defeated Marta Kostyuk 6-2, 6-2 in her quarterfinal match. Bejlek expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming semifinal, saying, “I felt physically good on the court, and I have no health issues. I’m looking forward to the semifinal and am curious to see how I will perform. I will try to play my best.” This matchup will mark their first encounter on the court.
