6 months ago
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Madison Keys produced a stunning comeback against eighth seed Ons Jabeur to reach the semi-finals of the Madrid Open.
The American 18th seed looked rattled as Jabeur wrapped up a first-set 6-0 bagel in just 24 minutes.
But the Tunisian's composure crumbled as Keys clinched the second set before dominating the decider to triumph 0-6 7-5 6-1.
She will face world number one Iga Swiatek in the last four.
After controlling the opening set, Jabeur's fine form looked set to continue as she claimed the first two games of the second.
However, Keys eventually got herself on the board and broke back to level the set at 2-2 and curb the 2022 champion's momentum.
The 29-year-old broke again at 6-5 to force a final set, and she raced to a 5-0 lead before serving out the win after one hour 35 minutes.
The victory is Keys' second against a top-10 player in as many matches after she defeated world number three Coco Gauff in the fourth round.
Top seed Swiatek fought back from a set down against Beatriz Haddad Maia to book her place in the semi-finals.
After sweeping past Spain's Sara Sorribes Tormo in just 68 minutes on Monday, Swiatek needed two hours 30 minutes to wrap up a 4-6 6-0 6-2 win against the Brazilian.
It was the first time the world number one dropped a set in the tournament.
The 22-year-old Pole, bidding for her third title of 2024, broke first and raced to a 4-1 lead, but Haddad Maia eventually found her rhythm and reeled off five consecutive games to take the opening set.
However, the 11th seed won just 12 points in the second set as Swiatek claimed a 6-0 bagel.
After exchanging breaks early in the decider, Swiatek broke for a 3-1 lead before striking again at 5-2 to reach her fifth semi-final of 2024.
