Bouzkova upsets Sabalenka to reach Washington Open final

Marie Bouzkova produced an unlikely upset against top seed Aryna Sabalenka to reach the final of the Washington Open in an encounter affected by weather delays.

After being 2-1 down in the third set before lightning and rain stopped play for three and a half hours, Bouzkova rallied to win 6-4 3-6 6-3 in the American capital.

A double break in the first set from Bouzkova saw the Czech hold the early advantage, only for her opponent to respond, serving three of her eight aces to take the second.

But upon returning to the court after the delay, Bouzkova broke Sabalenka's serve in the first game before breaking again to take a 5-3 lead.

The world number 29 closed out the victory against the Australian Open champion with a love game, setting up a meeting with Paula Badosa, who won in straight sets against home hopeful Caroline Dolehide.

Both looking for their first title of 2024 The @mubadalacitidc final will be not before 2:30pm local time on Sunday, starring Marie Bouzkova vs. @paulabadosa! Presented by @CorpayFX pic.twitter.com/3Rflrl94Z8

— wta (@WTA) August 4, 2024