Halep defeats Sabalenka, advances to Dubai semi-finals

Top-seeded Simona Halep pulled off an impressive comeback to defeat Aryna Sabalenka 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 on Friday and advance to the semifinals of the Dubai Championships.

After a close match with Ons Jabeur on Thursday, the Romanian star once again had to rally back from a set down to overcome her Belarusian opponent in the quarters.

"It's always tough to play against her because she's very strong and hits the ball really, really hard," Halep said. "I think I played quicker in the second set and third set. She didn't have time to stay and to hit the ball. So I think that was the key of the match."

Next up, Halep will meet Jennifer Brady for a place in the final.