BERLIN – Liudmila Samsonova saved two match factors earlier than reaching the quarterfinals of the Berlin Open on Wednesday, beating third-placed Jessica Pegula 6-7 (8), 7-5, 7-6 (5).
twentieth place Samsonova scored 18 aces in opposition to the defending champion in a three-hour, 21-minute match within the Grass Court docket Match.
“I can not imagine I am standing right here. That is unimaginable,” Samsonova mentioned in an interview on her courtroom. “Perhaps now, adrenaline is okay, however afterward I do not suppose it is that alright.”
Samsonova, who defeated Naomi Osaka in three units on Tuesday, saved two match factors to serve 5-4 within the deciding set in opposition to Pegra.
Prime-ranked Aryna Sabalenka’s qualifying match in opposition to Rebeka Masarova was suspended all evening because the courtroom turned slippery. Play stopped after Sabalenka gained the primary set of 6-2.
Beforehand, ONS Jabeur defeated fourth-seeded Jasmine Paolini within the second spherical 6-1, 6-3. Parini completed runner-up at Wimbledon final yr. Jabeur was a Wimbledon finalist in 2022 and 2023.
Paolini was enjoying for the primary time since profitable the French Open Doubles title with Italian Sara Ellani. Paolini misplaced to Erina Svitolina within the fourth spherical of the French open single.
