From miracle to disaster: Sabalenka

Fernando Murciego | 20 Jun 2026 | 16.46

Sabalenka collapses in Berlin and Pegula takes advantage of the gift before Wimbledon. Source: Getty

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The defeat of Aryna Sabalenka against Jessica Pegula (6-4, 6-7, 6-0) in the semifinals of the WTA 500 in Berlin leaves a feeling that is hard to ignore. Not so much due to the elimination itself, which can be considered normal against an elite rival, but because of the way the match ended.

After a closely fought battle over two sets, the world number one completely crumbled in the decisive set, enduring a painful 6-0 defeat that contrasts with the competitive strength she usually displays. The match had begun with the expected intensity between two players accustomed to facing each other in the later stages of major tournaments.

Pegula, always solid from the baseline, managed to contain Sabalenka's power and forced the Belarusian to play a more refined style of tennis than usual. For much of the duel, the margin was minimal, but everything changed when the match entered its crucial phase. That's when the resistance of the ranking leader vanished, and an unrecognizable version of the champion emerged.

The 6-0 score in the third set was particularly striking because Sabalenka didn't seem to be losing solely due to tactical reasons. There were rushed errors, negative body language, and a clear emotional breakdown. Each game seemed to push her further into a spiral of frustration from which she could never escape. For a player whose success has been built on aggression and confidence, ending a grass court semifinal in such a manner signals a warning just days before Wimbledon.

Nevertheless, it would be unfair to explain the result solely based on Sabalenka's collapse. Pegula delivered a remarkably mature performance. The American once again showed why she is one of the most consistent players on the circuit. She may not have the devastating power of other rivals, but she compensates for that disadvantage with tactical intelligence, a great reading of exchanges, and an extraordinary ability to capitalize on her opponents' moments of weakness. After reaching the semifinals by defeating Madison Keys in a very demanding match, she confirmed her excellent week in Berlin with another high-level performance.

Jessica Pegula eliminates Aryna Sabalenka in Berlin. Source: Getty

Sabalenka and a tough defeat before Wimbledon

The loss also fits within a broader context for Sabalenka. Although she remains the number one and has achieved great results throughout the season, in recent weeks there have been unusual moments of disconnection for her. At Roland Garros, for example, she let slip a very favorable position and suffered a painful comeback. Now, in Berlin, she bids farewell once again after a conclusion that is hard to explain given the clarity of the score.

What's curious is that just a few days ago, Sabalenka pulled off a spectacular comeback to reach the semifinals, turning around a dire situation against young Nikola Bartunkova. That reaction seemed to confirm her arrival in the grass court season with confidence and resilience. However, against Pegula, the opposite occurred: when the match demanded mental strength, the Belarusian had no answers.

Nevertheless, drawing definitive conclusions would be a mistake. Sabalenka remains one of the top contenders for Wimbledon, and her competitive ceiling still surpasses that of nearly any rival. But the image left in Berlin is uncomfortable. Losing a semifinal is understandable; ending it with a 6-0 deficit after completely disconnecting is another story. And precisely for that reason, this match will be remembered more for the manner of the fall than for the defeat itself.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sabalenka, del milagro al descalabro

WTA