WASHINGTON (AP) — Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic
rallied to beat top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka of Belaus 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 on Saturday night after a long weather delay in the Mubadala Citi DC Open semifinals.
Down 2-1 in the third set when lightning and rain stopped play for 3 1/2 hours, Bouzkova broke Sabalenka's serve in the first game after they resumed, broke again for a 5-3 lead and closed out the Australian Open champion with a love game.
Sabalenka was playing her first tournament since
withdrawing from Wimbledon because of a shoulder injury.
Bouzkova will face Paula Badosa of Spain, a 6-3, 6-3 winner over Caroline Dolehide of the United States in the first semifinal.
Bouzkova reached her first WTA 500 final. She won her lone career title in 2002 in Prague. Ranked as high as No. 2, Badosa has slipped to 62nd after a back injury sidelined her six months last year.