Sabalenka beats Azarenka to reach Washington Open semis

Washington: Aryna Sabalenka withstood a shaky second set to defeat Victoria Azarenka 6 4, 6 4 in a Friday showdown of two time Australian Open champio...

Washington: Aryna Sabalenka withstood a shaky second set to defeat Victoria Azarenka 6-4, 6-4 in a Friday showdown of two-time Australian Open champions to reach the Washington Open semi-finals.

Third-ranked Sabalenka fired eight aces in the matchup of Belarus rivals at the WTA and ATP hardcourt tuneup for the US Open.

"Always tough battles against her," Sabalenka said. "She always brings the best fight she can. I always enjoy playing against her. Just super happy to get through this tough match.

"I feel like with every set, I play better and better. Hopefully I can just (keep) building my level and by the US Open, I'll be 100 percent ready."

Sabalenka, who won her second consecutive Australian Open in January, and 20th-ranked Azarenka both withdrew from Wimbledon with shoulder problems but have shown no sign of injuries in the US capital this week.