Elena Rybakina reaches quarter-finals of Dubai Tennis Championships

Elena Rybakina saved six match points before closing out a dramatic victory against Paula Badosa to reach the quarter-finals of the Dubai Tennis Championships, while world number one Aryna Sabalenka fell to a surprise defeat, El.kz cites bbc.com.

Kazakhstan's Rybakina fought back from 6-3 down in a second-set tie-break, while Badosa also spurned two match points on Rybakina's serve at 6-5 in the decider.

The world number seven held firm before securing a 4-6 7-6 (10-8) 7-6 (7-2) win with her first match point after a gruelling two hours and 49 minutes.

The 2022 Wimbledon champion will face Sophia Kenin after the American ended Jasmine Paolini's title defence with a 6-4 6-0 victory.