Aryna Sabalenka overcame a challenging second set to defeat Victoria Azarenka 6-4, 6-4 in their quarter-final clash at the Washington Open, advancing to the semi-finals. The match featured a contest between two former Australian Open champions, with Sabalenka firing eight aces and extending her winning streak against Azarenka to four consecutive matches, all in straight sets.

Sabalenka, currently ranked third, expressed her satisfaction with the victory, highlighting the competitive nature of her matches against Azarenka. "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."

Having withdrawn from Wimbledon due to shoulder issues, both players have shown no signs of injury this week in Washington. Sabalenka, who won the Australian Open earlier this year, is optimistic about her form heading into the US Open. "I'm doing really great so far. Fingers crossed, the injury's in the past. I feel really good," she added.

In the semi-finals, Sabalenka will face Czech player Marie Bouzkova, who defeated American Robin Montgomery 6-3, 6-1. Sabalenka won their only previous meeting in Miami last year, though she expects a tough contest.

On the men’s side, Ben Shelton advanced to the semi-finals after Denis Shapovalov was defaulted for unsportsmanlike conduct during their match. Shelton, who had held match points in a second-set tie-breaker, will face Italian Flavio Cobolli, who defeated Alex Michelsen in a three-hour battle.

In women's semi-final matchups, Spain's Paula Badosa will compete against American Caroline Dolehide. Badosa advanced after rallying past Emma Raducanu, while Dolehide defeated Amanda Anisimova.