Aryna Sabalenka revealed that the wind was causing big problems for her and admitted that she was just hoping to "magically" get through her Australian Open quarterfinal match.
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On Tuesday, the 2023 and 2024 Australian Open champion lost her first set at Melbourne Park since Elena Rybakina took one in the 2023 final.
To make it all worse, the world No. 1 was also twice down by a break to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova early in the third set.
But just as great champions do, Sabalenka managed to find a way out and beat the 31st-ranked Russian 6-2 2-6 6-3.
After breaking the Russian twice to easily win the opener, the Belarusian lost her serve three times in the second set.
While she was broken two more times in the decider, she avoided a defeat after earning three breaks on her own.
In the end, Sabalenka managed to win despite spraying 27 unforced errors and losing her serve a total of five times.
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"Praying to try and put the ball back in these tough conditions. I was just trying to put the ball back. It was very difficult to play," the world No. 1 admitted.
"She played amazing tennis; very aggressive. Im so pleased that I was able to somehow - magically - win this match.
"Now you can enjoy the battle between Djokovic and Alcaraz. Itll definitely be a bit better tennis."
Sabalenka hopes this match helps her in the long run
Next up for the defending champion will be her best friend Paula Badosa, who upset Coco Gauff to reach her maiden Grand Slam semifinal.
Going into the match, the Belarusian is riding a 19-match winning streak at the Australian Open and is two wins away from completing a three-peat.
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"Sometimes, its good to have these tough battles, to go through it, and to be tougher for the last stages of the tournament," the Belarusian noted.
"I wish that I had won this match in straight sets, but it is what it is. Now Im in the semis, and I cannot wait to play against Paula."
Sabalenka has five wins and two losses against Badosa after winning all of their five last meetings.
