Marie Bouzkova Triumphs Over Aryna Sabalenka in Mubadala Citi DC Open Semifinals

Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic pulled off a thrilling victory against top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 scoreline on Saturday night at the Mubadala Citi DC Open semifinals, despite a lengthy weather interruption.

Bouzkova, who was trailing 2-1 in the third set when play was paused for 3 1/2 hours due to lightning and rain, broke Sabalenka's serve upon resumption and secured a 5-3 lead before closing the match with a love game.

This victory marks Bouzkova's first WTA 500 final appearance. She will now face Spain's Paula Badosa, who earlier defeated Caroline Dolehide 6-3, 6-3. Badosa, once ranked as high as No. 2, has dropped to 62nd after a back injury.

In the men's semifinals, second-seeded Ben Shelton took on Italy's Flavio Cobolli, while fourth-seeded Sebastian Korda competed against Frances Tiafoe in an all-American matchup.

(With inputs from agencies.)